Is John Woo's latest a thrilling ride or just a snooze? Find out if The Killer (2024) lives up to the original!
When legendary director John Woo announced the American remake of his 1989 classic, *The Killer*, expectations were sky-high. Fans looked forward to a thrilling reimagining of a beloved film, but upon its release in 2024, one can't help but feel a sense of mischief—has Woo served us a low-stakes Parisian adventure instead? The film stars the talented Nathalie Emmanuel as the lead assassin, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Chow Yun-fat. While Emmanuel adds a refreshing take to the character, the buzz surrounding the film isn't quite as electric as its predecessor.
In this new rendition, Woo takes us on a journey through the romantic streets of Paris, a city more associated with romance than high-octane shootouts. Reviews have been mixed, to say the least. Critics have pointed out that while the film is watchable, it lacks the impactful substance that made the original so unforgettable. Let's just say, if you were expecting heart-pounding action sequences akin to a Woo classic, you might be left feeling about as empty as a French pastry's filling.
Many reviewers have referred to the new *The Killer* as a “Woo-ful shell of itself,” with some questioning whether this film is merely a cash grab or a genuine attempt to modernize an acclaimed classic. Despite the stunning Parisian backdrop and moments of impressive chemistry between the actors, the film seems to indulge more in style than in substance. Sitting down with popcorn, viewers might find the film strays more towards forgettable entertainment rather than a monumental cinematic achievement.
As we try to decipher if this darker, more somber portrayal of assassins aligns with Woo's artistic vision, one thing is for sure—*The Killer* has certainly paved its own path while being deliciously tailored to the Parisian aesthetic. It still holds the essence of Woo's creativity but leaves us reminiscing about the magic that once was.
Did you know that John Woo is often credited with popularizing the gun-fu genre, blending martial arts with firearms in ways that had never been attempted before? His unique visual style has influenced countless filmmakers across the globe, spreading the love of stylized action beyond cinema. Additionally, Nathalie Emmanuel, now a household name thanks to her role in *Game of Thrones*, continues to push boundaries, graduating from fantasy epic to action star in this thriller. Will she channel the same beloved energy in *The Killer*? Only time will tell!
Well, he finally did it. John Woo finally released that American remake of The Killer that's been in the works almost since the first one premiered back in ...
The director revisits his 1989 classic with a Paris-set update that doesn't attempt anything all that daring but reconfirms his action credentials.
It's a movie that's generally watchable but almost instantly forgettable, which the best of Woo never is.
Perhaps both. Read all about the John Woo remake of his 1984 masterpiece in our review of The Killer on Peacock.
Directed by John Woo. Starring Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington, Diana Silvers, Éric Cantona, Saïd Taghmaoui, Tchéky Karyo, Grégory Montel, Angeles ...
Here at Geek Vibes Nation, we review the new Peacock film, The Killer (2024), from legendary director John Woo!
Going from watching volleyball matches set against the Eiffel Tower to director John Woo blissfully framing head shots along the banks of the Seine, the City of ...
Woo's new Killer is in love with Paris, and the way Nathalie Emmanuel, replacing the original's Chow Yun-fat as the title assassin, pirouettes past flying ...