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Killer Elite Review

Movies.com Critics

2.0

Dave White Profile

Jason Statham And A Gun, Part 27. Read full review

3.0

Grae Drake Profile

Gave a judo chop to my cynicism. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    44

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 20

    out of 100

    The New York Times Manohla Dargis

    Whatever the case, Mr. Owen and Mr. Statham (who provides a nice duet with a chair) make a prettily matched pair amid the pileup of sub-Bourne action set pieces, sad laughs and clichés.

    Read Full Review

  • 25

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Killing looks ridiculously easy in this dispensable exploitation picture, directed for maximum impact of head-cracking pain by ad-trained Irish director Gary McKendry in his first feature.

    Read Full Review

  • 40

    out of 100

    Village Voice Nick Pinkerton

    Killer Elite is distinguished by one no-mercy, eye-gouging, testicle-punching brawl, and one whoppingly indifferent screenplay.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    ReelViews James Berardinelli

    Despite having a perfect cast for a title like Killer Elite, Gary McKendry's feature debut comes across as little more than a generic Jason Statham movie with two high-profile guest stars.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter Todd McCarthy

    This muscular thriller--led by Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro--strives to be a genuinely good film, but unwilling to let go of proven formulas, it falls short.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    This is actually a pretty good thriller, based more on character and plot than on action for its own sake. The need to construct killings that look like accidents adds to the interest.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety

    A macho, adrenaline-fix suspenser that plays like the bigscreen equivalent of those pulpy spy novels that once clogged grocery-store checkouts.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Killer Elite reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 16+

Violence prevails in exciting but uneven action movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this book-based action/thriller/drama about an assassin who tries to quit the business but is drawn back in has lots of strong violence, including blood, dead bodies, guns and shootings, stabbings, and explosions. There's also a shot of a topless woman, as well as some sexual innuendo, kissing, and flirting. Language is strong and includes both "f--k" and "s--t," and minor characters drink and smoke in a background way.

  • Families can talk about the movie's violence. What impact does killing for a living have on the main character? Are his decisions believable?
  • How does the movie present revenge? Is it a valid reason to pursue violence? Do the ends ever justify the means?
  • The story is presented as being based on actual events, though there's some speculation about whether that's the case. Why might filmmakers want audiences to think it was based on a true story? Why might some facts be changed?

The good stuff
  • message true-1

    Messages: Characters attempt to do the right thing, but circumstances prevent them from succeeding. Revenge is a powerful motivator for the main character.

  • rolemodels true1

    Role models: The main character has some morals, even though he's an assassin; he decides to quit after his actions endanger a kid, but revenge later forces him back into the business. He seems to regret killing and tries not to whenever possible, but when it's time for action, he jumps right in.

What to watch for
  • violence false4

    Violence: Very strong violence based around killing, assassinations, and revenge. Lots of guns and shootings, stabbings, fighting, gory dead bodies, blood, and explosions.

  • sex false4

    Sex: A gangster's girlfriend is seen topless. A supporting character hires a prostitute for sex, though nothing is shown. Sex noises are heard off screen. The main character is seen flirting, as well as kissing a woman he's romantically involved with.

  • language false4

    Language: Language is very strong but not constant. Words include "f--k," "s--t," "a--holes," "balls," "goddamn," "son of a bitch," "oh my God" (as an exclamation), "prick," "d--k," "bugger," "hell," "damn," "bollocks," and "schtupping."

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false1

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Minor characters drink beer in a pub; others are seen smoking cigarettes.

Fan Reviews provided by

1

Total fraud!!! by myloveskac
Having such good actor we're expecting a great movie but it turns out being the opposite. what a boring movie not to mention long. was a waste of money and time i wish i rather have chosen 50/50 or dolphin tale!!!

3

Killer Elite Review by ngsandwich
I think that this film had a little too much action in it. It would have been better if it wasn't so gory. But the story was ok.

4

Twisty but worth it by joncjt
There are some flashbacks that happen for no other reason but seemingly to make Statham's character appear more human. The way the "Feathermen" are explained/revealed is pretty cheesy. The accents and foreign intelligence terminology can make it a bit of a task to keep up with dialogue, but the action more than makes up for all the film lacks. Serious ride.

5

its a great movie !!! by OhhNormaa

4

My Review on 9/25 by el_que_critica
I kept my expectations to a minimal before going to see this. I wasnt expecting it to be great but also didnt want to be disappointed because I do like the shootem up movies every once in a while. So, overall a decent story considering they are saying it was off of actual events. Will not disappoint in entertainment value but they do make Statham appear damn near indestructible but thats expected I guess. Good matinee choice and easily a rental. Plenty of action to keep the movie going so it doesnt slow down.

4

Killer Elite by imax2011
Alot of action pack...Robert Deniro was awesome..2 thumbs up.

4

Better than the average Statham by philipcentral
See full details at philippage.blogspot.com/2011/09/rave-killer-elite.html

4

Killer Elite review by sebb33
Jason Stathom, enough said

3

Killer Elite by jazzerle
It wasn't a good as I thought it would be. Great actors but the movie dragged a little. Very bloody.

3

Wait for the Disc or Stream... by phoneharry
I LIKED the movie. It was a good movie. I enjoyed it. But the story I assumed I would see didnt quiet happen. I guess Trailers are good at that arent they. ITS NOT a bad movie. It just wasnt a 4 star movie either. I think I might enjoy more when I'm lounging in my own room. some movies are meant to entertain you at home. this is one of them.

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