Assassins

Directed by Carston Hadlock

Warning – This review contains spoilers.

Assassins delivers a fun and energetic look into a high-stakes game that pits friends against each other in a battle of strategy and wit. As the number of players dwindles, the tension ramps up, and the game becomes increasingly intense. I found the film entertaining, especially with its playful use of classic action film tropes like slow-motion shots and chase sequences. It’s a simple concept but the execution made it enjoyable with plenty of humor sprinkled throughout.

The film has good pacing and the story is easy to follow. We’re thrown into the heart of the action from the beginning with assassins attempting to outsmart each other as they vie to be the last one standing. I appreciated how the film used the cinematography to enhance the chase scenes, especially the dynamic shots of cars pursuing assassins and the camera following them across fields. It added an action-packed vibe to what could have been a straightforward water gun tournament. The use of slo-mo during key moments also gave the film a lighthearted, almost parody-like feel, which worked well with the tone.

From a technical point of view, Assassins has its ups and downs. The lighting was inconsistent, especially in the darker scenes where it became a bit hard to see the action. However, it wasn’t a major issue throughout the film. The sound was clear for the most part, though there was a slight echo in some dialogue, but it didn’t detract much from the experience. The editing flowed smoothly, keeping the film’s pacing tight without feeling rushed, and the action scenes were cut together in a way that maintained the intensity of the game.

Assassins was undeniably fun to watch. There’s a playful nostalgia to it, reminding me of the competitive spirit of water gun fights and games from childhood. It taps into that lighthearted, competitive energy, which is likely to resonate with audiences looking for something that’s both comedic and action-packed.

Assassins offers an enjoyable mix of action and comedy, creating an engaging story from a simple water gun game. Its creative use of cinematography, especially during chase sequences, keeps the energy high, and while the lighting and sound could be improved in places, the overall execution is solid. Audiences who enjoy light-hearted action shorts with a comedic twist will likely appreciate this fun and entertaining film.