The Killer Elite (1975)

This 1975 action opus lacks the inspiration and precise storytelling of Peckinpah classics like The Getaway and The Wild Bunch, but still has plenty to offer action fans. The main problem with The Killer Elite is Stirling Silliphant's script, which drags after an interesting setup and never finds the right balance between action and the blackly comic satire of the genre it attempts to achieve. Despite these key flaws, The Killer Elite will still appeal to action buffs for a few reasons, the first is the impressive performances of its cast. Robert Duvall delivers a supremely icy performance as the mercenary Hansen and James Caan's work as Locken makes every painful step of his rehabilitation believable. There is also some colorful supporting work from Bo Hopkins and Burt Young as a pair of eccentric assassins whom Caan enlists to help him in his revenge. The Killer Elite also benefits from Sam Peckinpah's golden touch with action set pieces. Highlights include the bombing that takes place under the opening titles and the meticulously edited fight finale aboard a set of abandoned war ships. In short, The Killer Elite is not top-flight Peckinpah, but delivers enough action and quirky characterizations to make it worthwhile for anyone interested in this director's work. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide