Four Assassins

First 10 minutes gave me hope that it might get good, but it didn't. There is very little action, lots of pointless talking. It feels like this entire movie could have been a very short story, or a monologue.

Reason I started watching it in the first place is because it has several actors which I normally like. Acting is OK, problem is that situations are not believable, but rather pointless, and I was not made to care for any of characters.

I cant even recommend this movie as something to watch when you have nothing better to do. Instead, go outside, sit on grass, watch grass grow and meditate. Whatever you think about during it will be very likely more entertaining than this movie.

My main gripe really is the timing, which seemed to get worse and worse the closer to the end it got. It also felt a bit like they were trying to imitate formulas they had seen in other movies, not to say "It's pretentious", which would be a bit too much. The story is OK but not remarkable, I'd even almost say "forgettable". The (very very rare) action is OK, nothing remarkable.

If I'd HAVE TO say either "watch" or "don't watch", I'd immediately say "don't watch", but I don't mean to say that the movie is awful. There are just so many better things to spend 80 (long-ass) minutes with. OK, I seem to need about 10 words more for this to pass.

Contrary to some of the user reviews, this is actually a worthwhile, claustrophobic drama. If you're expecting a "bang-bang-guns-ablazing-shoot'em up" as suggested by the title -- look elsewhere.

But if you're into a character study of four killers examining how they got to where they are while dealing with an unfinished hit, then this is for you. Yes, it takes it's time. But it's a rewarding slow build to a tense climax.

Will Yun Lee and Miguel Ferrer are stand-outs in a well-rounded cast. The movie's few action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed with style. Camera work is inventive given that the majority of the story takes place in one location. Even the music is impressive.

All in all, this is a classy indie movie.

...in every way.

Script, acting, fight scenes, set design - accents - you name it, it's absolutely terrible.

Not worth your time. Or theirs.

More interestingly, a review here on IMDb has to be ten lines in length, or it cannot be posted - but there genuinely isn't ten lines of criticism worth leveling at this film.

In part, that is one of the problems the film has as well - *it could have been done in less than ten lines* - there aren't many films brave enough or strong enough to carry off the 'four protagonists in one room for the entire film' scenario - and this one shouldn't have attempted it.

I must admit that I had initially expected a bit more action from this movie, given the DVD cover for it. However, that being said, I am not saying that this is a bad movie, as it was actually quite interesting.

Just be warned, that this is not a high-octane action movie that is full of adrenaline and rush. No, this is a heavy dialogue-driven story with some very detailed characters. So it might just be a whole other thing than what you ventured in to watch.

The story in "Four Assassins" is about an assassin named Marcus (played by Will Yun Lee) who sits in a hotel room in Hong Kong when three other assassins show up; Eli (played by Miguel Ferrer), Cordelia (played by Mercedes Renard) and Chase (played by Oliver Williams). The latter three are there to make Marcus pay for a job that he botched up and failed to complete.

As I mentioned earlier, then this movie is heavy on dialogue. And it is essentially just the four main characters sitting around in the hotel room and talking, though with some reminiscing towards their past. But still, it was an interesting movie, as the chemistry and the dialogue was good and well planned.

There is a little bit of action here and there, sort of comes in small bursts of adrenaline throughout the movie, and it is just enough to keep the movie interesting and dynamic.

The four people on the cast list for the main characters, actually did good jobs with their given characters, especially Miguel Ferrer, who was overshadowing everyone else here.

"Four Assassins" is not your typical action movie, but it blends in elements from the thriller and drama genre as well, and the end result is a rather good one - an enjoyable movie well worth watching.