Killer Elite Directed by: Gary McKendry Starring: Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Robert De Niro Rating: Not Yet Rated Release Date: September 23, 2011
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: I almost don’t even want to watch the film now. I know that doesn't sound like high praise, but it's only because it just doesn’t seem conceivable that it can live up to the ridiculous level of awesome that is this trailer. I’m not even a guy who generally gets excited about these types of machismo-driven action films, and I still found this trailer to be a blast. The list of things to like is endless. Guns? Check. Explosions? Check. British accents? Check. Yvonne Strahovski? Check. A mustachioed villain played by Clive Owen going toe-to-toe with Jason Statham? Check! All that, and I haven’t even mentioned Robert De Niro getting to play a tough guy again, or the use of “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions! I could go on all day.
There are so many moments I enjoyed in this trailer. It’s kind of hard to believe so much greatness could be packed into 100 seconds. From the tough guy British accent-off between Statham and Owen at the beginning, to De Niro getting his watch back at the end, I enjoyed myself far more than I imagined possible. For my money, however, one moment stands above the rest. After Statham miraculously beats up Clive Owen while tied to a chair, he escapes and jumps out of the window. Then, knowing there’s only one way to make the moment even more fantastic, it cuts to text that says the film is based on a true story. Perfect.
It feels like the film is either going to be spectacularly over-the-top and amazing or just downright awful. I have a hard time imagining there being much room in-between. It's hard to say which side the finished product will come down on, but if this trailer is any indication, Killer Elite will be just what I need to get my blood pumping this September.