‘Ninja Assassin’ isn’t a Masterpiece, just an Awesome Action Film
-----When I heard that ‘Ninja Assassin’ would be screened at Comic-Con, I was ecstatic. After making my way to the Warner Bros. booth to pick up some tickets, I headed down to San Diego’s Gaslamp Theater. This was the first teaming of Producers Larry and Andy Wachowski with Director James McTiegue since their 2006 epic, ‘V for Vendetta.’ Their newest collaboration isn’t a masterpiece, but does succeed in what James McTiegue intended it to be; an “homage” to ninja movies.
-----‘Ninja Assassin’ is, unfortunately, as formulaic as they come. One can pretty much predict the whole plot after seeing the trailer, and so it is reduced to being just an action movie. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I expected more from a Wachowski-McTiegue team-up. The plot revolves around Raizo, a ninja who abandons the ninja clan that raised him after learning of their treacherous ways. Meanwhile, a Europol agent is following the trail of death surrounding the clan, so naturally they come looking for her. This then entangles Raizo with the young agent, as the two are forced on the run by the unrelenting clan.
-----Rain, whom many may recognize from his small role in last year’s brilliant ‘Speed Racer,’ is likable in the title role of Raizo. If nothing else, he certainly has the look and build of a ninja assassin, giving the film some much needed authenticity. The film mercifully avoids having a white teenager from inner city Boston be its protagonist, as was the case with last year’s silly but fun family flick, ‘The Forbidden Kingdom.’ Rain doesn’t have much to say, but this fits hits character, and his ability to relate to audiences despite his solemn attitude makes the film a memorable two hours. Naomi Harris plays young Europol agent, Mika Coretti. Harris is undoubtedly a weak point for the film, as her characters only purpose seems to be moving the plot along. She is, despite her European character, the one truly Americanized aspect of the film. You’ll feel little for Harris, as her character goes through the motions in a dutiful fashion. In an otherwise bloody and uncompromising film, she feels like the watered down aspect that’s supposed to widen the movie’s demographic. As for the rest of the cast, Sho Kosugi plays Raizo’s former master in a strong role that fits him perfectly, and a younger version of Raizo is also played well.
-----With ‘V for Vendetta’ being the last contribution to cinema from this Director-Producer team, I had lofty expectations to say the least. These expectations were not met, and I was initially very disappointed. As time would have it, I have looked back more fondly upon the film. It is not the masterpiece I hoped for, and is really just a good action movie. Although even the action is not always perfect. It is primarily entertaining, but given the nature of ninjas sticking to the dark, I felt a few scenes became a bit monotonous given the lengthy, discreet, nature of ninja fighting styles. On the other hand, a few scenes are executed with such skill and style that they will certainly be awesome upon a repeat viewing and perhaps even more viewings after that. As is often the case with films sitting on the rent/see border, the drive for a second viewing has put the film over the notch. I plan to see it again, this time with more realistic expectations, and I’m sure I’ll like it even more the second go round.
-----Technically, the film is pretty spectacular. Boasting some fun, occasionally stylized effects, ‘Ninja Assassin’ is a quality film despite its formulaic plot. The music is fitting, and the occasional action sequence is blended perfectly with a stunning environment. It is this marriage of art direction and execution that makes the action alone worth seeing in theaters, everything else aside. One fight in particular is especially breathtaking in its brutality and style, reminiscent of the bathroom fight scene in the James Bond reboot, ‘Casino Royale.’ Add some spectacular cinematography from the steady Directorial hands of McTiegue, and you’ve got some of the year’s best action sequences. There is a problem with the map locations however. Audiences will find themselves a bit confused as they question exactly where everything is taking place as the film’s characters seem to switch effortlessly from the hidden mountain location of the ninja clan to the streets of Europe.
-----With a movie likes this, you always hope for at least an adequate story. ‘Ninja Assassin’s story is without a doubt passable, if only barely. And yet, I saw the potential for something more. The formulaic story and costar Naomi Harris’s character don’t blend well with the film as a whole, each detracting from the movies hidden potential. On one hand ‘Ninja Assassin’ is a cliché in the form of an homage to ninja movies, and on the other it is trying to appeal to mass audiences with the involvement of generic Europol agents. Despite these flaws, there is no denying the quality action and spectacular art direction, both of which consistently lend to the story. And rightly so, those going to see a movie called ‘Ninja Assassin’ shouldn’t be anything less than thrilled about a movie that consistently delivers fast paced, skillfully executed action pieces. I applaud the bold move by Warner Bros. to screen the film at such an early date, and I admit to a possible bias towards ‘Ninja Assassin’ given the elation of seeing a mainstream movie a good four months before it is released. And I would not have reviewed it until a week or so before its release had I not liked it, for I don’t believe in biting the hand that feeds you a free screening. All the same, ‘Ninja Assassin’ is not the magnum opus many may hope for, but rather a fun and shameless action experience that should be taken in on the big screen, and a film that is likely to improve upon further viewings.
|
