Killer Elite - Assassinations and High Adrenaline Rescues

Men don’t understand women. They don’t realize we’re made to appreciate the finer things in life. Otherwise, why would I be put to task for buying “yet another” pair of shoes? When I came barging home with my shopping bag, dad shot me his censuring glance like I did a Macapagal-Arroyo mischief. Heavens! First of all, I barely resemble a troll who even looks more hideous with a neck brace and fake boobs. Would my dad rather see me spend my money on drugs and other vices? Secondly, I don’t acquire money, gain or advantage by dishonest, unfair or illegal means, then proudly saunter around like I’m an angel sent from the heavens. I am a mere earthly angel. Dainty, sweet and svelte. Period. (No, Iya, do not laugh. I’m being apropos, girl.)

This reverie took me in front of a cinema counter. Maybe I’ll understand men better if I were to watch a high adrenaline flick?

Gary McKendry’s “Killer Elite” would be that film, right?

Danny (Jason Statham) was an assassin until he unintentionally killed a man in the presence of the latter’s child. More than the poor child, he was scarred from the experience thus making him quit his avocation and moved to Australia where the cows graze on kangaroo-poo grown grass. Quaint. A year into his hibernation, he learns of his friend Hunter (Robert de Niro) being taken hostage! The culprit was an Omani sheik who wants revenge for his three sons individually assassinated by S.A.S. soldiers during the Dhofar Rebellion (1964-1975) launched against the sultanate of Muscat and Oman (which had British support).

This plot was relayed to Danny who has to seek the SAS soldiers responsible for the death of the sheik’s sons. Since revenge was the order of the day, he had to assassinate these soldiers and extract confessions from them. If he succeeds, Hunter will be freed and he gets $6 million for his effort. Trouble is, these soldiers aren’t exactly limp wristed, helpless or morons. They are highly skilled and well connected. But as Danny carefully treads his maneuvers, he is being tailed by Spike (Clive Owen) tasked by a secret organization of former-SAS officers who’s getting worried!

Now imagine Statham engage in a testosterone fueled fistfight with Clive Owen. Add a dash of Robert de Niro! What could be more potent than this formula?

The film takes us through different places: Wales, Paris, Oman, Australia, and this wanderlust countenance could sometimes divert you away from the main story. But with Statham and Owen on board, you’d be foolhardy to expect a rousing drama, right? What kept me glued was how the grieving father, the ailing sheik, was so persistent on avenging his slain sons’ deaths. I guess there is no gadget that would suffice to measure up a father’s love. Which doesn’t mean a child is incapable of reciprocating his affections, as when Danny would sacrifice his peaceful life in rural Australia just to help out a dear old friend. There’s nothing wrong with being valiant – or quixotic – just to help out a friend in need.

Now can I buy another pair of shoes?

Spike catches Danny


Jason Statham


Jason Statham


Clive Owen


Clive Owen


Clive Owen


Yvonne Strahovski plays Anne, Danny's Australian girl who's suddenly caught in the crossfire.


Yvonne Strahovski is Australian. She plays Sarah Walker in the TV series "Chuck" and will be seen in Anne Fletcher's "My Mother's Curse" with funny man Seth Rogen and (hold your breath) Barbra Streisand! The latter is about an inventor hitting the road with his mother to sell his latest invention. Sounds like fun!