Review of Assassin's Creed (2016) by Courtney S — 14 Jan 2017

Another example that turning computer games into movies usually results in a huge disappointment, Assassin's Creed is a confusing, incoherent and uninspiring adaptation of the acclaimed game. With a concept which could have been developed in a much better way and an A-star Hollywood cast which could have shown so much more of its abilities, this attempt for a winter blockbuster is an example of so many good, but missed opportunities.

Calum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is death-sentenced convict who after his "execution" wakes up locked in a secret compound of the mysterious Templar organization in Spain. Soon he understands that he is a descendant of a XV-th Century member of an Assassins organization which has been fighting the Templars for centuries. Locked in the compound he is manipulated to be part of a cutting-edge technology which could unlock his genetic memories and give control over the world to the Templars. By going back to the XV-th Century and forth to nowadays, director Justin Kurzel tries to create a long-spanning conflict which has moral implications amidst the more compelling and straight-forward action sequences of the XV-th Century. This results in a confusing and incoherent story, which may be appreciated by fans of the game, but other with no idea of it will be totally lost.

Usually when such type of movies are lacking the story to attract, the action sequences and the visual effects , combined with quick pacing, are used to compensate and to keep the grip on the audience. Unfortunately in Assassins' Creed case, each time the viewers get deep into the Spanish XV-th Century and start enjoying the mysterious fighting sequences and choreography, the director drives the story forward to nowadays and to the unnecessary philosophical and moral implications. Amidst this chaos the extremely talented trio of Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons are clearly suffering with their characters and cannot save the movie from the overall mediocrity.

In conclusion, Assassin's Creed could very easily be considered a disappointment. It should have been simple, focused on the XV-th Century events and should have provided a fast-paced, nicely choreographed entertainment supported by excellent visual effects and the commanding presence of its very talented cat. Unfortunately, almost none of this happens and the moments when the audience is "back in time" are not enough to save the movie. Watchable at home as home cinema entertainment, if shown on any TV channel, but not worthy spending money on it.