Killer Elite
Open Road Films | Release Date: September 23, 2011
5.8
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 147 Ratings
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53
Mixed:
73
Negative:
21
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
xXRenTyrellXxOct 1, 2011
"Killer Elite" was fun and has a good cast, with very satisfying performances. Although it's not quite what you would call "original" in its story line area, (not that every movie we see has to be completely "original") Killer Elite keeps"Killer Elite" was fun and has a good cast, with very satisfying performances. Although it's not quite what you would call "original" in its story line area, (not that every movie we see has to be completely "original") Killer Elite keeps your attention.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
LoveIsHellSep 23, 2011
I do not know how anyone, and I really enjoyed the film.
Of course, it is undeniable that all of the latest films from Statham out the same.
But it does not mean that they're bad! For that I appreciate the kind of films - it's brutal!) VeryI do not know how anyone, and I really enjoyed the film.
Of course, it is undeniable that all of the latest films from Statham out the same.
But it does not mean that they're bad!

For that I appreciate the kind of films - it's brutal!)
Very cool and enough for me to put the film 7 points, 2 points but I'm adding to my favorite actor - Jason :-)… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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8
sicranoAug 7, 2015
very goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood one.................................. Owen Statham DeNiro are perfects here.....................
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
TheQuietGamerMay 25, 2012
If your looking to scratch that action movie itch this is a great choice, it's got your gunfights, fight scenes, and explosions ready to entertain. Unlike others of it's kind it surprisingly great plot behind it that's only sweetened by theIf your looking to scratch that action movie itch this is a great choice, it's got your gunfights, fight scenes, and explosions ready to entertain. Unlike others of it's kind it surprisingly great plot behind it that's only sweetened by the fact that it's based on a true story and has a main character who doesn't want to kill, but is forced into it by means out of his control, and honestly it's really refreshing to see a movie like this where the main character avoids pulling the trigger as much as possible. It's a great movie that has a few issues holding it back from being amazing like a romance that just feels unnecessary, and the occasional lackluster moment, but the lackluster moments are few and far between, and it's not the most unnecessary romance ever (Captain America still wins award in my opinion) but it still just seems like it's kinda just in the movie for the sake of having it. All in all if your looking for a great action flick with a great plot this is one of your best choices.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Knicksfan7Oct 14, 2011
Now this is a Jason Statham movie. Fun mindless action all throughout, and if you didnt go see this movie to see Mr. bada$$ Statham kick some Clive Owen a$$, and a whole lot of other unfortunate guys, well then no need to give yourNow this is a Jason Statham movie. Fun mindless action all throughout, and if you didnt go see this movie to see Mr. bada$$ Statham kick some Clive Owen a$$, and a whole lot of other unfortunate guys, well then no need to give your negativity, because thats what this movie was made for, to keep action fans happy. I loved this movie, definitely not the best action movie but towards the top of my list of Statham movies, but this movie was just pure mindless fun. A decent but pretty interesting story, which is apparently based upon real events. It keeps you entertained thats for sure, Robert Deniro was awesome and very funny at times. This is the most bada$$ ive ever seen Clive Owen, he was very good, and obviously Statham was Statham. If you love Jasons movies, or you just like a pure fun, action packed movie then go see this now. If your expecting to see the schindlers list, well then youre dumb (not to be mean but its true) Explosive from start to finish, must-see for all of my fellow action buffs. 7/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
FilmDilettanteOct 25, 2011
"Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a bloke who's sick of her s**t." Davies, Killer Elite

This is just one of several nuggets of meat-headed wisdom you will pick up from this cast of "blokes". Sure...this is a"Show me a beautiful woman, and I'll show you a bloke who's sick of her s**t." Davies, Killer Elite

This is just one of several nuggets of meat-headed wisdom you will pick up from this cast of "blokes". Sure...this is a testosterone-driven guy flick, but there is enough regret, romance and moralizing to make it potentially palatable for the more adventurous members of the softer sex. The movie does assume you know the background of the story.

To enjoy this film in the proper context, you will need to know a little something about the Special Air Service ("SAS"), an elite British Army corp. Think of it as the equivalent of the American Navy Seals. According to my "sources" *, the SAS was originally commissioned in 1941, and since that time has been disbanded and then resurrected on numerous occasions, most recently for purposes of counter-terrorism. According to Michael Smith, author of the book Killer Elite, members of the SAS told him in confidence that the SAS did operate in Oman to protect British oil interests. It is interesting to note that because this Oman mission was secret, it would be difficult to document the veracity of these accounts, leaving the author with great latitude to embellish the details. The film Killer Elite is based on Smith's book, and it makes for a tense and riveting action movie, true or not.

With that background, the story opens on professional assassins Danny (Jason Statham) and his long-time mentor and partner Hunter (Robert De Niro) as they are making a hit in Mexico. After Danny blows the guy away in his limo, he sees there is also a child in the car. As Danny looks at the boy's stunned, blood-spattered face, he loses focus, almost botching the getaway. Immediately following, Danny vows to get out of the business and lead a quiet, respectable life with his lady love near his childhood home in Australia. Easier said than done. Danny is everyone's cash cow, and partner Hunter has a family to support. However, because it is Danny who is in demand, Hunter is suckered into becoming a decoy in Oman. In order to save him, Danny is coerced into taking an assassination job in England worth 6 million dollars.

And what a job. Danny must find the SAS operatives who killed the three sons of Sheik Amr, first obtaining a videoed confession AND making it look like an accident. Danny is more than capable, and with the assistance of Davies (Dominic Purcell), he makes it look easy. However, Danny does not count on the Feathermen, a secret society of former SAS who continue to carry out government objectives with a "light touch", except for renegade Featherman Spike played by Clive Owen, who cannot detach from the intensity of his former life in the SAS. When the "accidental deaths" of two comrades who served in Oman come to his attention, Spike's loyalty sets him on the path to prevent the death of the third. In the end, Danny is pitted against Spike for the final face-off. On top of this, the agent played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is willing to compromise Danny for his cut of the $6 MM.

The beauty of this film is not just the intrigue or the fight sequences, but how it ultimately elevates both a mercenary assassin and a renegade soldier to anti-hero status, ennobling their killing with higher purpose and redemption. It's worth watching just to appreciate this phenomenon alone. Jason Statham (Crank, Revolver) is in fine form, his menacing face and hardened body serving once again as an unstoppable fighting machine. Clive Owen (Duplicity, Children of Men), complete with damaged eye, looks and plays the part of Spike with grizzled passion. Robert De Niro (Limitless, Little Fockers) brings bumbling humor and good will to the role of Hunter, while Yvonne Strahovsky brings the sexy, girl-next-door sweetness to the woman waiting at home for Danny. If you are unfamiliar with the background, Killer Elite will leave you behind for the first 15-20 minutes, but it is no less riveting as you begin to piece the story together. I highly recommend this film for lovers of high octane action thrillers. * Wikipedia

This review also appeared at www.filmdilettante.com… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
kindzadzaNov 6, 2011
awesome movie, could be better and not original. (although they say its based on a true story).
anyway, the acting was brilliant, its just the actors were very good and the sceme of a plot was overused, still makes it a great movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Tss5078Apr 27, 2014
Every Jason Statham movie is better than the last, as he continues to cement his reputation as the action star of Generation X. Since it's domination of the late 80s, Action movies have really suffered due to a lack of decent story lines andEvery Jason Statham movie is better than the last, as he continues to cement his reputation as the action star of Generation X. Since it's domination of the late 80s, Action movies have really suffered due to a lack of decent story lines and an infestation of stars, who landed these roles, simply due to their size, but Statham is changing all that, as evident by his latest film, Killer Elite. Based on the novel, The Feather Men by Ranulph Fiennes, Killer Elite covers the events, following a British covert op in the early 80s. The British Navy Seals (The S.A.S.) secretly forced out oil rich land owners in the Middle East, by whatever means necessary, in order to steal their land. Five years later, on his death bed, one sheik is seeking revenge for the death of 3 of his sons. To do this, the sheik has hired an elite team of underground hit men to take out the men suspected of killing his children, not an easy task when you consider that all the targets are highly trained former military operatives. Jason Statham stars as Danny Bryce, the team leader who is forced out of retirement, to take on the hardest job of his career. As has become common place, Statham is terrific and really carries the story on his back. Killer Elite is a someone complicated plot, with a first time director, but thanks to Statham's experience, you'll think these guys have been working together for year. As his reputation has continued to grow, bigger and bigger stars want to work with Statham, and any time you can add names like Robert De Niro and Clive Owen to a film, it only enhances it and boosts it's potential audience. Aside from just the amazing action sequences and covert maneuvers, the story adds real life drama to the film, by including shady government cover ups, double agents, and even police involvement in the events, making for the rarest of rare in the Action genre, a film with a deep and compelling plot. That's what really makes this film so good, it's not just about the chases, explosions, and killing, there is a real story here, that is unpredictable and very well written. Killer Elite may not top Parker as Statham's best movie, but it's pretty close. If you enjoy a fast-paced, edge of your seat movie, with a lot of interesting characters and a deep plot, than you won't want to miss this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
clarkd28Jan 23, 2012
Jason Statham delivers another outstanding performance as the top action star. Some of the stunts are fantastic. The story is deep enough to keep you hooked, but I was disapointed that Robert De Nero's involvement surroumnts to a cameo andJason Statham delivers another outstanding performance as the top action star. Some of the stunts are fantastic. The story is deep enough to keep you hooked, but I was disapointed that Robert De Nero's involvement surroumnts to a cameo and his involvement in the film was very limited. A decent action film from top to bottom/… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
EludiumQ36Feb 19, 2012
Jason Statham once again plays a noble assassin, a killer with a conscience. He (Danny) refuses to kill his nemesis Spike, played by Clive Owen, for no good reason, even though Spike make it's clear he'll pursue Danny. Heck, he even givesJason Statham once again plays a noble assassin, a killer with a conscience. He (Danny) refuses to kill his nemesis Spike, played by Clive Owen, for no good reason, even though Spike make it's clear he'll pursue Danny. Heck, he even gives Spike millions of dollars to help him start over, weird. Danny has a demure, girl-next-door girlfriend which detracts more from the story than adds an element of vulnerability to it. DeNiro just phones in his performance, he's old, fat, and lazy but his name is still a draw apparently. Overall, it's a decent enough experience. I got this free via Dish's Blockbuster @Home program so the price was right. Don't spend more than 99¢ to rent though.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
raciocinioOct 21, 2015
With a smart script... With great actors Statham,De Niro and Owen are impeccable,in this action,crime thriller of 80's... Good scenes of actions great fights between STatham and OWen.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
ZaynhewsonjavadApr 4, 2016
....................................................................................................................................................................................A close to perfect
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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