Review: ‘Assassin’s Creed’- The Best Video Game Adaptation Yet!

Video game properties have not been very successful in their transitions to Hollywood films, but Assassin’s Creed hopes to change all that as 20th Century Fox set to release their highly anticipated film this Christmas. This action packed thriller is set in the same universe as the video games but features an original story that expands the series’ mythology. Will Assassin’s Creed win over gamers and regular audiences alike or will the complexity of the story be lost on those unfamiliar with the popular game?

Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a man who has reached the end of the line. Having faced the death of his mother at the hands of his own father, Cal has lived a life of crime that has lead him to a stay on death row. After having his execution stage by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order lead by Alan Rikkin (Jeremy Irons) and daughter, scientist Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard), Cal learns of his family lineage which dates back hundreds of years to the Assassin’s Creed, a group of fighters sworn to protect an ancient artifact. Cal  is forced to participate in the Animus Project, a device which helps him link with his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, and relive this memories in order to locate the ancient artifact. As Cal continues to experience Aguilar’s memories, he begins to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the Templars in the present day and help stop them from locating the artifact that will allow the Rikkin’s to control free will.

Director Justin Kurzel makes up for the films lack of a coherent story and has elected for a visually stunning action film that overcomes its shortcomings to be very entertaining. Michael Fassbender embodies Aguilar and his ancestor Cal as if he is playing a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. The highly regarded actor is lacking in the need to deliver any dialogue of merit, but his presence alone speaks volumes in the action sequences. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons, two stellar actors who are underwhelming in the powerful adversary category which is where the film begins to lose its luster. The action sequences and cinematography when the focus is on Aguilar are breathtaking and some of the best you’ll ever seen on screen, but as we witness the transformation of Cal into assassin, there’s little in the modern world to compete.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed is highly entertaining with it’s action packed fight sequences and it’s visual effects, but the story is lacking at times which ultimately leads to a conclusion that may leave some wanting more. Still, it’s a franchise that has promise and should be given an opportunity to continue. Let’s just try and use the talents of these wonderful actors a bit better shall we?

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

Trailer:

Brand new ‘Assassin’s Creed’ trailer has arrived!

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New Regency and 20th Century Fox have just revealed a NEW trailer and poster for the upcoming film, Assassin’s Creed and we have them for you!

Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his 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, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

Assassin’s Creed also stars Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose) along with Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, Charlotte Rampling, Michael K. Williams and Khalid Abdalla. The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth).

Assassin’s Creed hits theaters everywhere on December 21, 2016!

Top 10 new trailers of the week!

Into the Forest

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The film will be available exclusively on DirecTV June 23, and opens in theaters July 29!


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Opening Theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on June 24th and Nationwide on July 1st


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Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization. Watch the trailer now to get your first look at all the action!

ASSASSIN’S CREED hits theaters everywhere on December 21, 2016!


Neon DemonTHE NEON DEMON will have its world premiere in the Official Competition of the 69th Cannes Film Festival

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn
Written by Nicolas Winding Refn, Mary Laws and Polly Stenham
Starring Jena Malone, Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Elle Fannning, Abbey Lee, Bella Heathcote, Desmond Harrington and Karl Glusman

When aspiring model Jesse moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.

Amazon Studios and Broad Green Pictures will release THE NEON DEMON in theaters June 24, 2016


QK-00510Disney’s “Queen of Katwe,” the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. The powerful film, which stars David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga and is directed by Mira Nair, will be released in U.S. theaters this September.


Cafe SocietyWith CAFÉ SOCIETY, Woody Allen conjures up a 1930s world that has passed to tell a deeply romantic tale of dreams that never die.

CAFÉ SOCIETY will have its world premiere on opening night of the 69th Cannes Film Festival

Amazon Studios & Lionsgate will release CAFÉ SOCIETY on July 15, 2016


little menDirected by Ira Sachs (LOVE IS STRANGE, KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, FORTY SHADES OF BLUE) with his trademark humanism and insight, LITTLE MEN highlights the New York City landscape with a story of life-defining friendships in the midst of familial turmoil.


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A blockbuster in its native Korea, where it would go on to become the country’s biggest independent film of all time, MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER presents an unforgettable story of true love that transcends both generations and cultures.

OPENING THEATRICALLY:
New York on Friday, June 17 and Los Angeles on Friday, June 24 with a national release to follow
NYC Theaters: Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and Angelika Film Center
LA Theater: The Royal


Its So Easy and Other Lies poster

IT’S SO EASY AND OTHER LIES is based on Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s New York Times best-selling memoir. The film chronicles Duff’s rise to fame, his near fatal struggles with addiction, and his transformation into the person he is today.

The doc also features exclusive archival footage and interviews from Duff’s closest friends including fellow GNR band member Slash, PEARL JAM guitarist Mike McCready, and MOTLEY CRUE bassist Nikki Sixx.

IN THEATERS: June 3, 2016


Michael Fassbender stars as Tom Sherbourne and Alicia Vikander as his wife Isabel in DreamWorks Pictures poignant drama THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS, written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the acclaimed novel by M.L. Stedman.

Michael Fassbender stars as Tom Sherbourne and Alicia Vikander as his wife Isabel in DreamWorks Pictures poignant drama THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS, written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the acclaimed novel by M.L. Stedman.

“The Light Between Oceans,” a heart-breaking drama about fate, love, moral dilemmas and the lengths to which one couple will go to see their dreams realized. The film, which is based on the best-selling novel by M.L. Stedman and stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson and is written for the screen and directed by Derek Cianfrance, opens wide September 2.

First Trailer for ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Has Arrived!

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Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his 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, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

ASSASSIN’S CREED stars Academy Award® nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth); produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox .

ASSASSIN’S CREED opens in theaters worldwide on December 21st, 2016.

We Have Your FIRST LOOK at Michael Fassbender as Callum Lynch in their upcoming film, ‘Assassin’s Creed’!

Assassins Creed

New Regency and 20th Century Fox just revealed the FIRST LOOK at Michael Fassbender as Callum Lynch in their upcoming film, Assassin’s Creed, and we have it for you now!

Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his 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, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

Assassin’s Creed stars Academy Award® nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth); produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Assassin’s Creed opens in theaters worldwide on December 21st, 2016

 

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