Story: 1.25/2 - Direction & Pace: 1.25 & 1.25/4 - Performance: 1.25/2 - Entertainment: 1.25/2
Total - 6.25/10
"Assassin," a precious relic from the golden age of TV movies, brings forth a heady concoction of spy intrigue and sci-fi zing, akin to the diplomatic clash of two distinct genres at a quirky drive-in cinema. Picture yourself in the mid-eighties: A lovely time when lustrous hair was big, and TV effects were typically somewhat more modest.
Our fantastic tale unfurls in a world where assassins, red tape, and cyborgs collide in a whirlwind of procedural pandemonium. A shadowy figure, not your average assassin, roams the agency's halls and government chambers, wreaking havoc like a bull in a china shop, albeit a cybernetic one. The crème de la crème of retired operatives is recalled to action, much like a reunion of veteran heroes pulled back for one last tango in the espionage dance. But hold your horses; this cyborg isn't one to be pigeonholed by mere programming.
The ingenious plot, a labyrinthine maze of deft twists and violent turns, carefully unfolds like a skilled magician's reveal, teasing revelations one breadcrumb at a time. Moreover, it's like a favourite old card trick; you admire the sleight of hand, even if you've witnessed it before. However, the beauty lies in the execution, mirroring the precision of the cyborg's window-jumping antics - sharp, effective, and depositing you on the edge of your seat.
Directorial finesse elevates this TV movie beyond its small-screen limitations, graciously offering a unique spectacle that bellows "big budget" with every well-choreographed leap. Sure, the effects might typically draw a chuckle from modern audiences accustomed to CGI wonders, but remember, this was the classic era of VHS and neon leg warmers.
The ensemble cast shines a constellation of talent without a solitary star outshining the rest. This humility serves the story well, focusing on the riveting narrative where intrigue reigns supreme.
"Assassin" is the perfect Sunday night caper or a rainy afternoon escapade, a rare blend of creative intellect and chuckles wrapped in a cyborg's enigmatic cloak. While its ending might not raise eyebrows, its journey is a rollercoaster of realism and astute wit. Take a seat, prepare for an '80s throwback and embrace this thrilling ride - an overlooked gem well worth unearthing from the annals of television lore.
