Four Assassins (2013)

I wanted to but couldn't!

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

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.

Perhaps a better name for this film would have been 'Bore Assassins'… an extremely slow moving film, with lots of talk, and very little action. With the title of the film being "Four Assassins" you would have expected plenty of action, copious killings, a plethora of blood splatter crime scenes, and intricate well executed, diabolical, methodical murder sequences; however, the audience is relegated to basically a 'one act' play where 99% of the film takes place in a single hotel room.The film centers on Marcus, played by Will Yun Lee (Red Dawn 2012/ Total Recall 2012). Marcus is a gun for hire, who has been commissioned to kill a husband and his wife. As the film begins, Marcus is awaiting final payment for his services in his hotel room. He is soon joined by his 'assassin' mentor, Eli (played by Miguel Ferrer), his former lover and fellow assassin, Eva (played by Emilie Guillot), and an upcoming 'newbie' assassin, Chase (played by Oliver Williams). There seems to be an issue with the 'hit' that Marcus was hired to do, and the film goes into great, agonizing details of the events which have led these four (4) individuals to arrive at this hotel room, on this night, at this specific time. The three (3) guests have two hours to determine what events have actually transpired during the Marcus 'hit' before an anticipated phone call from the boss takes place.I believe the film would have been a much better film, if the film would have tracked the trials and tribulations of the life Marcus. Mentored by Eli at the age of 15 to become a viable assassin, and united with Eva to become a forcible killing duo; this is the story we the audience wanted to see… not 'My Hakata Tonton hot pot dinner with Eli and friends'.I cannot recommend this film, not even for home viewing. After all is said and done, the ultimate outcome is far more depressing than having to endure the 88 minutes to finally get to it. I'd stay away from this one, definitely not worth your time or your attention to seek out.See More of my Reviews on FB @ "The Faris Reel"

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.

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.