Killing Cupid

I caught this last year at a film festival screening. Though the film has it's own unique style, you can't help but notice the subtle (or not so subtle) nods by first time director Michael Worth to Tarantino, Scorsese, etc. (particularly in an opening shot from a car trunk). A dark comedy about a female assassin (played by Jenya Lano) in search of herself. I give the film a 7 out of 10 based on the kind of movie it is and not comparing it to the larger studio films (which are many times much worse than this). It is not for everyone's taste, aimed at a more "cult" audience then mainstream. The very low budget (not to be confused with "B movie") feel is also sometimes it's charm. It definitely wants you to think on life and death and does not try to give you a "popcorn" ride. Made for a specific audience the film reminds one of either the slow static pace of Wes Anderson or the more rugged low budget entries of Linklater or Jarmuch in style. At least, the attempt is there anyway. Held back by a limited budget, the film still stands out but can be uneven at times.

The casting of B movie/TV actor Lorenzo Lamas as an arrogant hit-man was the most natural I have seen him. The other characters with names like "Starfish" and "Pimp" are a great strange bunch of characters bordering on insane comedy one second and sudden melancholy the next. Worth appears half way through the film in a sort of hero/anti-hero role. I think he is making fun of images he has portrayed in the past (he talks about bad B movie lighting). There is a sort of improv feel here when watching the performances (check out the charismatic granddaughter of the hotel owner...great stuff!). A raw director for sure, but sparks of....can I say excellence?...at times. Some unique shots, funny dialoge and wacky characters. The film was greeted well at the festival.

The film had an alternate title of "Killing Cupid" which is a much more original and appropriate title than the bland "Warrior Or Assassin". Reminds one of "Kill Bill" a bit in story but appears to have been made before those films even came out. Not a film for everyone by any means, but it is different and at times very funny. So, if you go in knowing you are seeing a low budget comedy/action film (some martial arts fights), stripped of expectations and stereo types (unless intended) you will really get a "kick" out of it.

This question is inspired by the alternate title of this movie, "Warrior or Assassin". The answer: probably a mixture of both. Michael Worth's direction is often pointlessly gimmicky (even spoiling some potentially good fighting at the end), his story isn't all that original, and his attempts at imitating Tarantino (mostly by having minor characters talk about the most random things) come across as forced. On the other hand, his love for B-movies (and especially kung fu flicks) comes through clearly, he keeps his tongue in his cheek most of the time, and he has a good grasp of male fantasies (or maybe his fantasies are simply similar to mine!), presenting 3 different types of sexy girls (a redhead, a blonde and an Asian) to satisfy every taste. The lead, Jenya Lano, is best described by Worth's character in the film: "The kind of face that is perfect for B movies, waiting for her big break". Her best line: after trying to provoke a thug into a fight, he says "Sorry, but I don't like to hit girls" to which she responds "Don't worry. You won't get the chance". The interesting cast also includes Lorenzo Lamas and Jeff Fahey, but they are both basically used for "name value" and don't get to do much. (**)