Runtime: 105 minutes
Directed by: Jesse V. Johnson
Starring: Scott Adkins, Ray Stevenson, David Paymer, Ashley Greene, Amy Johnston
From: LINK Entertainment/Six Demon Films
It was about time to see dudes get wrecked, watch more Scott Adkins, and see something featuring actor/stuntwoman Amy Johnston. It was talk elsewhere which made me realize that some people outside Letterboxd (although some here also) will enjoy me discussing all those aspects. In a just world, not only would Adkins star in lower-budget theatrical releases on the regular, but Johnston-a blonde that many would think was pretty and someone who looks credible as a fighter-would have a chance to star in any sort of action film, even the ones direct to video/streaming.
It's a movie based on an independent comic book and boy is that apparent; there’s a wacky, comedic tone to it all despite it being centered on not only a world of hitmen who meet in the Continental Hotel… er, I mean a private bar run by Ray Stevenson, but it’s centered on Scott Adkins, who kills people & makes it look like accidents; he flips his wig after an ex he can’t get over is assassinated. Time is spent in the first act getting to know the other assassins in London and well… they do appear later throughout the movie. Johnston plays Jane the Ripper, a character exactly as you’d imagine for someone calling themselves “Jane the Ripper.” She did deliver when it came to the martial arts.
Not all of the humor works and its attitudes are straight out of the 80’s (including its views on lesbians, unfortunately). That said, I was still entertained by this schlock. There’s frequent voiceover from the lead and even a moment where the 4th wall is broken. There were many faces I knew: Ray Stevenson, David Paymer, Ray Park, Michael Jai White-speaking of performers who deserve a more prominent career-and even Ashley Green for a few scenes. For the action fans out there, many should be thrilled by all the gunfire and brawls that are present; indeed, dudes do get wrecked here.
There is plenty of aggro male behavior shown-including too many F bombs-but even then, this was another success from director Jesse V. Johnson. Accident Man has a sequel just coming out this year which is still on my figurative watchlist, although Johnson does not return to the director’s chair. Adkins and Stevenson returning is enough to pique my interest.
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