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
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Messages: Characters attempt to do the right thing, but circumstances prevent them from succeeding. Revenge is a powerful motivator for the main character.
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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
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Violence: Very strong violence based around killing, assassinations, and revenge. Lots of guns and shootings, stabbings, fighting, gory dead bodies, blood, and explosions.
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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.
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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."
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Minor characters drink beer in a pub; others are seen smoking cigarettes.
Fan Reviews provided by
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.
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.
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!!!
4
Killer Elite review by lawrence of arabia
action, good for statham fans, but a bit confusing
4
Better than the average Statham by philipcentral
See full details at philippage.blogspot.com/2011/09/rave-killer-elite.html
4
Entertaining by bryan-lee
Nice movie if you just wanna b entertained. Storyline a little weak but great entertainment
5
its a great movie !!! by OhhNormaa
2
Where is the action??? by DAMNSON
I give it 2 body count out of 5
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.