Ninja Assassin

Directed by James McTeigue, who made a name for himself as the assistant director for “The Matrix” franchise, takes everything he learned there to develop one of the most delightfully brutal action flicks the big screen has ever seen.

“Ninja Assassin” lacks just about every element that draws the line between an action flick that’s certain to flop and one that’s bound to succeed. Indeed the film didn’t have what most would call a triumphant box office run, yet it’s a film that will undoubtedly gain a considerably large cult following upon its arrival on DVD. Those who did have the opportunity to witness this balls-to-wall action-flick theatrically should consider themselves fortunate as the experience isn’t near as exploding on the average American’s television set.

There’s really no plot to speak of in this picture written by Matthew Sand and J Michael Straczynski, neither with credentials most would consider remarkable. Needless to say, “Ninja Assassin” doesn’t require a story-line that requires viewers to think. From start to finish, the film is loaded with non-stop action. The fight sequences are beautifully constructed and CG work. While obvious, is visually stunning at the same time.

In all honesty, once the movie is over, you’ll feel as if you sat through an hour and a half of someone’s videogame montage. Of course, that doesn’t mean we didn’t enjoy every minute of this violent, ground-breaking bloodbath that’s already being helmed as the best ninja movie of all time and I can’t say I disagree. “Ninja Assassin” truly bend the rules and even if some viewers don’t obtain the same satisfaction I did, at least they can acknowledge that the filmmakers have really achieved something spectacular.