A ruthless puppet master lures a grieving hit man into a deadly competition of assassins. King of Killers, adapted by Kevin Grevioux from his Darkstorm Comics graphic novel, is a swift and bloody actioner that goes in a surprisingly unexpected direction. Arteries spurt as limbs are sliced off like ham at the deli counter. Brutal beatdowns and stylized gunplay are followed with frenzied stabbing that would make Ghostface jealous. The film is a check your brain at the door adrenaline rush of violence. Frank Grillo, a Hollywood stalwart and one of my favorite actors, steals the show with a deliciously exaggerated performance.
Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) strains as his mangled face is about to be driven through a wall spike. The film then cuts to a wintry scene a year earlier. A disguised Marcus casually walks into a bar. He observes a shady group of men heading towards the bathroom. That’s the last pee break they’ll ever get. Marcus makes quick work of his targets. He photographs his handiwork then uploads the files at his secret office. A call from his handler, Mr. X (Stephen Dorff), congratulates him for another job well done. He’s got a new contract for the following night. Marcus initially declines. An important engagement awaits.
Marcus has breakfast with his daughter Kimberly (Zoe Worn) and wife Karla (Amy Groening). He pretends to forget their anniversary, then pulls out reservation tickets from his front pocket. Marcus just has to take care of some business first. He’s decided to partake of the murder appetizer before dinner. Marcus dons a fake beard before walking behind a restaurant. He doesn’t see Karla looking for him. She received a text to meet him early.
Surprised Assassins
Lionsgate
Months later, a heartbroken Marcus receives more bad news. Kimberly’s heart condition has taken a turn for the worse. He doesn’t have a clue what to do. Marcus grabs his gun when someone knocks. No one should know his location. Roman Korza (Gianni Capaldi) brings an offer from a hidden benefactor. There’s a $10 million dollar bounty on the infamous Jorg Drakos. Travel to Tokyo, kill the world’s most lethal man, and earn the means to save your child. But how? Drakos has never been seen or identified? Marcus takes a leap of faith. He arrives to a calculated trap. Others have been given the same offer. But there’s another caveat to getting the money. A screen behind them flickers to reveal Roman’s boss (Grillo).
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King of Killers is a fun fix for action junkies. Moussi, a stunt coordinator turned actor, looks badass and fluid doling out severe punishment. He’s got the skill to roundhouse kick, leap around obstacles like a rabbit, and then pop back up to spray bullets at whatever hapless baddies are still standing. Grevioux can shoot close-ups because there’s no need for a double. Georges St-Pierre, Batroc from the MCU, adds legitimate co-star punch to a talented ensemble of renowned martial artists. The action looks compelling and different in every scene. This is the film’s biggest draw, and it certainly delivers.
King of Killers doesn’t take dialogue too seriously. The characters’ monologue before engaging each other. Everyone has to announce their intentions, how awesome they are, and the whooping about to be delivered. Some critics have crushed the script because of these overblown interactions. This would normally be annoying, but to Grevioux’s credit, it kind of works in this context. These are macho alphas about to rumble. No one’s going to back down or be politely submissive. It makes sense to talk a little trash before pummeling your adversary to a pulp.
A Lethal Adversary
Lionsgate
Grillo owns King of Killers from his introduction. He’s tougher than leather but eloquent and refined before slaughter. There’s a motive to his duplicity that becomes apparent in the final act. It’s a welcome narrative twist that seasons the action stew. Grillo has this innate ability to make you root for him in every role. It doesn’t matter if he’s the hero, villain, or possibly both.
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Grevioux, creator of the Underworld franchise, has quadruple duty as writer, director, producer, and co-star. King of Killers is his baby. He’s got plans from kindergarten to college. The film establishes characters for a new action universe. It does so effectively without sacrificing its own story. The groundwork is laid for sequels from the current leads and other perspectives.
King of Killers plays to a specific audience. This isn’t English period costume drama, but it’s also not pointless carnage. Each character is memorable in their own way. Anyone who enjoys a slick action storyline won’t be disappointed.
King of Killers is a production of Dovetale Media, Julijette, BondIt Media Capital, Alain Moussi Productions, and Buffalo 8 et al. It is currently available on demand and DVD/Blu-ray from Dovetale Media and Lionsgate.
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