Based on the popular video game series, Hitman (from director Xavier Gens) is the latest game-turned-movie to grace your local cineplex. Honestly, the track record for this particular genre is hit or miss—mostly mis,s in my opinion. What makes for an entertaining video game is rarely the recipe for a successful movie. Where does Hitman fall on the spectrum? We’ll get to that.

The story here revolves around an enigmatic assassin with no name, only a number… 47. A series of flashbacks establishes that he was among an elite group of bio-engineered candidates raised from birth to be lethal killing machines in the service of “The Agency.”

Tracked by Interpol around the world, 47 has a reputation as the best and most ruthless of them all. He’s a ghost, nameless, faceless, the perfect killer… at least until things go wrong on an assassination attempt in Russia. Now he’s on the run, trying to unravel the twisted threads of a double-cross, protect an innocent witness, avoid the Interpol agent that is obsessively tracking him, and, above all else, complete his contract or die trying.

Let’s be clear: the plot here is thin, paper thin in places. But much like a video game, it serves as only the most minimalist vehicle to advance the story to the next exciting action sequence. And that’s one thing you can say about Hitman: it doesn’t waste any time with unnecessary character development or story background. The action starts early and returns often.

Overall the casting is good, with a group of international actors that you’ll recognize, mostly from television. The supporting cast includes Dougray Scott, Robert Knepper, Henry Ian Cusick, Ulrich Thomsen, and Michael Offei. The title role goes to Timothy Olyphant in what I think is an odd choice. He’s an able actor, but doesn’t really come across quite as menacing as I would have liked. On the other hand, he does provide a touch of humanity for the cold-blooded killer.

Does Hitman succeed in making the jump from video game to film? Yes, and then again, no. I confess I spent a fair chunk of the running time wondering why no one seemed to take special notice of all these bald assassins running around with barcodes tattooed on the backs of their heads. The story clearly takes a back seat. The real draw is the action, action, action and Hitman delivers the goods on that count. It won’t win any awards, but if you’re looking for a mindless action film to keep you awake after your traditional holiday feast, this could be just the ticket.

Hitman is rated R for “strong bloody violence, language and some sexuality/nudity.” Yes, this is indeed a bloody film. There is nudity but no actual sex, if that makes a difference. Unlike James Bond, while 47 has an opportunity to get the girl, he chooses not to. An assassin with morals, he’ll kill you if he thinks you deserve it but he won’t take advantage of you.

Courtesy of a local publicist, Michael attended a press screening of Hitman.