Assassin's Creed

 

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Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a criminal who is executed for murder. It is revealed however that a shady organization run by Alan Rikkin (Jeremy Irons) and his daughter Sophia (Marion Cottilard) faked his death, and need his help with something. Callum’s ancestor hid something away that the elder Rikkin wants for his own. To do this, they use a machine that will allow Callum to relive the past memories and experiences of his ancestor. The plot feels very complicated and convoluted. I can’t speak for whether or not this movie is accurate to the game (I never played the game), so I’m judging this one based on its merits as a film. First things first, I am aware that the game series this movie is based on is rated M for Mature. So, I feel like the PG-13 rating is a hinderance more than anything. The action sequences, while impressive to an extent, feel watered down. This movie plays things a little too safe. The movie does delve into obnoxious, ugly shaky-cam at points. Thankfully, it’s never too distracting. The movie’s cast is talented. I know this. I’ve seen these actors do fantastic work in other, better movies. Most of the cast plays the movie completely flat and monotone. The worst offender of this is easily Marion Cotillard. She is an Oscar-winning actress, but he shows no emotion or investment here. Thankfully, Michael Fassbender seems to be the exception to the rule. He actually seems invested in his performance. The pacing could’ve been far better handled. When Callum enters the machine and we the audience is in the 1400s, it is a little more interesting. The problem is, we don’t get this for very long. The rest of the movie is more of a slow, plodding chore of a movie. Assassin’s Creed shows glimmers of potential, but it all feels completely wasted.  

3 / 10