This is a review of the 2009 movie Killshot, starring Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane, and Rosario Dawson.
Plot Synopsys: Carmen Colson (played by Diane Lane) and her semi-estranged husband Wayne are placed in the Federal Witness Protection program after witnessing an “incident.” After relocating and changing their identities, the couple is rediscovered and targeted by an experienced hit man (Mickey Rourke) and his psychopathic young upstart killer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). The ensuing struggle tests Carmen to the limit.
Me: Mickey Rourke is kind of like the acting equivalent of the late Michael Jackson – an undeniably gifted artiste who just can’t seem to get it together when it comes to life off-stage.
The Honeybee: Rourke has had a weird career, huh? Didn’t he quit making movies for a while at the height of his fame to become a professional boxer?
Me: That he did. And while he was undefeated during his time in the ring, the damage he took from the beatings he received forced him to get the botched plastic surgeries that now make him virtually unrecognizable from the Mickey Rourke that starred in such movies as Diner, The Outsiders and 9 Weeks.
The Honeybee: I really loved him in his well-deserved Oscar-nominated comeback movie, The Wrestler.
Me: I’m glad you brought that up because although this movie was released in January 2009, Killshot started production way back in 2005, long before he filmed The Wrestler. The delay was reportedly caused by the inability of the producers to convince distributors that the movie was worth taking a risk on. Of course, Rourke’s Oscar nomination for The Wrestler rendered that concern moot.
The Honeybee: Well, I don’t know what the fuss was all about; although Killshot definitely had its flaws, I really enjoyed the movie! Go ahead now and give your little overview of the movie.
Me: Okay, I will. Rourke plays a retired Native American mob hit man named Blackbird who gets ensnared into a scheme by a manic greenhorn petty crook named Richie (well-played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) that involves blackmailing a local realtor. But Richie’s inexperience leads to he and Blackbird being seen trying to collect the money by one of the realtor’s employees (Diane Lane). The sloppy execution forces the criminals to hunt down Lane and her husband to tie up the loose ends.
The Honeybee: To me, that was the big flaw in the movie. Blackbird was introduced to us in the beginning of the movie as being this top-notch hit man who was always extremely careful. But then the story reverses course and has him making a lot of really stupid mistakes. So what was Blackbird? Was he a top-notch deliberately thorough hit man, or a bumbling wannabe?
Me: Good point. That’s…
The Honeybee: Hold the phone, smart guy, I’m not finished.
Me: Ooo, sorry. Please carry on!
The Honeybee: I mean, the story really stretches reality by asking us to believe that such an experienced and careful hit man as Blackbird would ever choose to team up with a hyperactive kook like Richie in the first place.
Me: I couldn’t agree more, but for me at least, that still wasn’t enough to torpedo the entertainment value of the movie. I don’t think many people will feel ripped off if they spent a couple bucks renting this movie from their favorite DVD outlet. So what’s your verdict, Honeybee?
The Honeybee: Despite the story flaw, I still say Killshot is a “Buy.”
Me: I say “Buy” too. It wasn’t as good as The Wrestler, but if that movie is unavailable for rent, and you are Jonesing for a Mickey Rourke flick, Killshot is a decent alternative.
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I’m surprised you didn’t mention the movie was directed by John Madden.
You’re right, Wilson. Good point. For my readers who might be thinking of the NFL commentator and ex-coach of the Oakland Raiders, that’s not the guy he is talking about. This John Madden is probably best known as the director of Shakespeare in Love.