Review of Assassination Games (2011) by Muhammad K — 04 May 2012

"The Muscles from Brussels" aka Jean-Claude Van Damme is back in action as an emotionless contract killer and against all expectations, the Assassination Games is actually one of better action films by mr. Van Damme.

Damme is a victim of his early career action roles, this much the Belgian martial artist proved couple years ago in the semi fictionalized story of himself - film JCVD - , where he unquestionably showed to the world of having real potential to be a serious actor. Apparently it is not easy to shake the past and Damme returns to action scene once again, but thankfully this time it is not a total disaster.

Assassination Games sports a straightforward plot where three sides; assassins, corrupted police force and a ruthless criminal boss try to outsmart and destroy each other. The main focus is with the two assassins; Vincent Brazil by Damme and Flint by Scott Adkins. These two loners forge an uneasy alliance in order to bring down a common target, the ruthless criminal boss Polo Yakur (Ivan Kaye).

The film is standard material all around no question about that, but the three sided story ensures constant action and intensity. The only thing catching my eye was the police force side of the story which felt like a filler but in the end it works alright. A really positive aspect with Assassination Games is that for once the actors choices are fitting for a film like this. Damme gives a good act as an emotionless killer with Scott Adkin's balancing him nicely with his energy and deep hatred towards the criminal boss Polo. Just when I though that action films as a genre is done and dead, Assassination Games brings much needed refresh for the scene. It is not great but not bad either and if Damme continues his career in the action film business, I hope his future endeavors are like Assassination Games.