Release Date: March 11th, 2008
Running Time: 94 minutes

The Film

Videogame film adaptations just seemed to be doomed. It is the rare case that one is both faithful to the source material and a good film in its own right. Hitman: Unrated isn’t an abomination like many videogame films, it just falls into the trap of mediocrity and fails to nail down the tone of the popular franchise.

The film stars Timothy Olyphant as Agent 47, the world’s best assassin trained in the ways of killing since his youth. To his credit, Olyphant does a good job with the material provided. Agent 47 is sent on a mission to assassinate a Russian politician named Mikhail Belicoff. After completing his mission he is informed that a prostitute named Nika (Olga Kurylenko) may be a witness. He quickly tracks her down and captures her, only to have everything begin to fall apart. Despite literally exploding his target’s head with a bullet, Belicoff appears in press conferences, very much alive. As the mystery kicks in Agent 47 finds himself hunted not only by Interpol, but the Russian law, as well as numerous other Agents. With Nika in tow, Agent 47 is on a race for survival and the truth.

Whereas the videogame focused on stealth killing, the film is a loud, explosive experience. Agent 47 is a killing machine, whether he is using automatic weaponry, explosives, or a sword. He is so confident in his abilities that he has no problem causing a massive scene and walking away like nothing happened. As good as he is at killing, he is even better at evading capture.

I suppose my problem with Hitman is simply missed potential. The videogame created a very harrowing, silent killer capable of handling any situation with grace and silence. The film is content to be another action film, featuring plenty of “cool” camerawork and set pieces, but at the end of the day it won’t leave a lasting impression.

The DVD

The video is offered in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The screener copy does not accurately represent the final product. It is full of compression artifacts and grain. Being a newer film I am sure the final release will be pristine.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 Surround Sound and French/Spanish Dolby Surround with English/Spanish subtitles. Every channel is fully utilized, with bullets and explosions bombarding you from all sides. Throughout the chaos the dialogue remains balanced as well.

The Extras

A number of EPK featurettes are offered but none of them add up to much of anything.

“In the Crosshairs” is a generic making-of bit consisting mostly of clips and cast/crew interviews.

“Digital Hits” covers adapting the game to the film, which is odd considering the two are very different.

“Instruments of Destruction” looks at the various weaponry used in the film.

“Settling the Score” focuses on the music of the film with composer Geoff Zanelli.

Four Deleted Scenes and an Alternate Ending are offered, as well as a Gag Reel and Previews.

Final Thoughts

Hitman: Unrated is a generic action film that can offer some decent thrills but will be out of your mind as soon as the credits roll.