Via a new technology that unlocks genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th century Spain.
Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins.
Amassing incredible knowledge and skills, he takes on an oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.
We say, “With or without knowledge of the video game series, Assassin’s Creed is basic fun.”
TAYLOR: I didn’t have very high hopes for this video game turned major motion picture, Assassin’s Creed, but it wasn’t bad. I could complain about the needless volume. It’s a pretty loud film made louder with droning music. I could remind everyone that the plot is secondary to the action, but instead I’ll just say, “Go if you’re a fan.” Perhaps, “Go if you’re in the mood for a bird’s eye view of rooftop martial arts in the middle ages.”
HOWE: I thought it would be better, more in line with the games. I have only played two of them.
If I remember rightly, our main character that enters the gaming realm isn’t someone serving on death row. But I could be wrong; it has been a few years.
Other than some weak plots, some dodgy acting and some iffy effects, I couldn’t really knock what is a game crossover. We have had some real naff stuff in the past. Anyone remember Mr. Van Damme in Street Fighter.
TAYLOR: I enjoyed the cinematic nods to the video game. I wondered how much of the film was actually made by the creators of the game. I haven’t played the game, but there are plenty of instances in the film where it felt like scenes could have come from game play. This means, sometimes things looked fake, but I didn’t mind.
Fassbenders’ assassin was pretty straightforward, having no knowledge of the game I don’t know if he was true to character, but I do know that it doesn’t matter.
Assassin’s Creed didn’t annoy me any more than it impressed me. File it under: Not bad. Although rated PG 13, the film features a lot of tidy violence, no blood.
HOWE: It did keep me entertained from start to finish. The action is fast paced but not lost in a sea of close up fighting, wildly cut montages or over-the-top silly stunts.
Even though you mention there is no blood, there were one or two naughty swear words in it, sometimes added to make the movie feel more grown up. In this, they didn’t seem out of place.
I was pleasantly surprised by Assassin’s Creed and I see they left it nicely open for a follow up.
– Taylor gives Assassin’s Creed 2.5 apples out of 5.
– Howe gives it 3.5 joysticks out of 5.
Brian Taylor and Peter Howe are film critics based in Vernon, B.C.
