Is Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Assassins’ Really That Bad?

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  • ‘Assassins’ Pits Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas Against Each Other
  • Critics Were Not Too Kind to ‘Assassins’
  • 30 Years Later ‘Assassins’ Deserves Another Shot

Time serves as a movie’s most rigorous critic; it can elevate a film to timeless acclaim or merely mark it as fleeting popularity. For instance, when you ponder over the most memorable films of 1980, does the Oscar-winning Best Picture, Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People,” resonate in your mind? Or perhaps Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”? Conversely, certain movies improve with age, gaining a cult following and achieving immortality even after initial commercial failures, as their devoted fans bestow upon them an enduring infamy.

The 1995 action thriller “Assassins,” starring Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas, is not as highly regarded as some other films, and hasn’t developed a significant cult following to keep it popular with new audiences. However, opinions on the movie have shifted over time for various reasons, making its initial negative reviews seem unfair when viewed today. In this discussion, we will explore why “Assassins” was not successful initially, why it has gained new appreciation 30 years later, and whether you should give it a try yourself.

‘Assassins’ Pits Sylvester Stallone and Antonio Banderas Against Each Other

In simpler terms, the character Robert Rath (played by Sylvester Stallone) is a seasoned hitman considering retirement due to disillusionment with his profession and recognizing his replaceability. During a mission, he encounters another assassin, Miguel Bain (portrayed by Antonio Banderas), who seizes one of Rath’s assignments. While Rath views this as an opportunity for a lucrative exit from the business, he is tasked with eliminating a computer hacker named Electra (Julianne Moore) and obtaining a disk. However, when Miguel pursues the same target, Rath intervenes to save the hacker. As a result, an unexpected partnership between these two individuals forms as they strive to outmaneuver Miguel and his employers.

During the ’90s, Sylvester Stallone had a mix of successes and setbacks, having released films like Judge Dredd and Demolition Man prior to Assassins. However, his reputation as an action star remained strong. On the other hand, Antonio Banderas was at the height of his career, fresh from the release of Desperado in the same year. Julianne Moore, who completed the cast, had previously appeared in The Fugitive, a notable crime thriller, two years prior to this. At that time, Assassins boasted a cast of stars that were top-of-mind for many moviegoers.

Behind-the-scenes personnel were just as remarkable. Director Richard Donner, fresh from the successful western movie “Maverick” (1994) featuring Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster, had previously made a name for himself by directing the “Lethal Weapon” series from one to four with Gibson. Interestingly, this project was the debut of the writing talents of Lily and Lana Wachowski, who would later become renowned in Hollywood. With such a promising cast and crew, expectations among critics and at the box office were high. However, neither prediction would come true.

Critics Were Not Too Kind to ‘Assassins’

In Rotten Tomatoes, Assassins has been given a rating of 16% based on 50 critic reviews. Back in 1995, Hal Hinson from the Washington Post described it as “an illustration of hurried, shallow, and senselessly violent big-budget Hollywood filmmaking.” He further stated that the movie, despite being a thriller, was both straightforward and implausible. Later in his review, he acknowledged that Banderas’ performance stood out, particularly as an action star. The production received widespread negative criticism, with many expressing similar sentiments. However, another common complaint was the film’s pacing; many viewers found it dull or boring.

The film Assassins, although it didn’t bomb at the box office, fell short of expectations, especially given that it opened second to David Fincher’s masterpiece, Seven. The movie went on to make $83.3 million globally, but considering its production budget of $50 million, marketing costs, and other theater-related expenses, the film was fortunate to merely break even. Fortunately, it was launched during the era of VHS, and rental and purchase sales likely turned the movie into a profitable venture over time.

Even though Assassins initially faced harsh criticism from reviewers and a modest performance at the box office, the general public’s view of the movie has grown more positive. Though its rating on Rotten Tomatoes remains low at 45%, it boasts a score of 6.3/10 on IMDb and 2.9 on Letterboxd. Although these scores are not particularly high, they demonstrate that people’s opinions of the film have evolved significantly since its release, becoming much more favorable than the initial critical reception would suggest.

30 Years Later ‘Assassins’ Deserves Another Shot

According to the Washington Post, the film “Assassins” showcases Antonio Banderas at his peak performance. However, Sylvester Stallone also delivers a strong performance in this film, and many of his fans who have recently rediscovered “Assassins” view it as a hidden gem within his career. While there are valid concerns about the plot’s instability, the production’s ability to seamlessly combine elements of psychological thriller and action with a good dose of comedic timing was not adequately highlighted. The action scenes are well-executed, and director Richard Donner brings a certain finesse to the action from his past work on the “Lethal Weapon” films. Additionally, the movie provides a glimpse into the early career of the Wachowski sisters.

Assassins might not be flawless, but it’s an engaging blend of various genres and boasts powerful acting performances that make it a film definitely worth watching. The harsh criticism it received upon release had some merit, however, critics may have underestimated its wider appeal. Now, with a touch of nostalgia for ’90s action enthusiasts, you can decide for yourself; Assassins is accessible to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or YouTube.

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2025-01-12 01:33