POSITIVES…
Want to see Mary Elizabeth Winstead kicking ass, trying to take down the Yakuza? Here’s a movie for you.
Want to see bloody brutal violent action sequences? Yes, this is definitely a movie for you to watch. Check out the action set pieces at a restaurant, a street market, a penthouse, and more.
Solid action choreography, especially when it includes sharp pointy weapons.
There are some good thematic messages and commentaries here that are worth thinking about.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is really good at playing the badass female assassin, but still able to mix in some vulnerabilities and playfulness to her role.
Miku Martineau is a firecracker of a character as Ani, and just lights up the screen with her energetic performance.
Part of the fun watching this is the contrast in personalities between Kate and Ami. Winstead and Martineau have excellent chemistry playing off each other.
Supporting cast is solid, from Woody Harrelson, Tadanobu Asano, Jun Kunimura, Miyavi, and more.
Location setting of Japan is awesome. From the neon lit skyline, the gritty urban city, to the luxurious homes, look great for the cinematography.
Nice touches with the camera, 180 flips, blood on the lens, overhead shots, and such.
Rather enjoyed the Asian heavy rock and pop soundtrack.
Bandmaid! It’s got one of my favorite Japanese Rock bands making a cameo in this movie and in the soundtrack. Instant plus!
Boom Boom Lemon. I want some Boom Boom Lemon now.
Everytime Kate calls Varrick “V,” I think about the main character in Cyberpunk 2077.
NEGATIVES…
Not the most original assassin going to do one last job, but things go bad, kinda story.
Expect some familiar plot tropes, cliches, and conveniences.
Moves at a more leisurely pace than you might want for an action flick.
Honestly would have preferred at least one or two more big action set pieces to fill in some of the lulls in the pacing.
Some might find the character of Ani to be pretty annoying. "Stop. Speak less. Open your ears."
There’s a particular plot point at the end of the final act that could have been expanded on more. I was waiting for that scene and moment or exchange of dialogue, but it just never happened.
It’s hard to deny the negative optics of seeing a White person killing a bunch of Asians in this day and age.
Your typical Japanese stereotypes are present here as well.
loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
