Killer Elite opens with the crinkled, worn-out eyes of Jason Statham peering into the camera. Unfortunately this image foreshadows the similarly worn-out story that is about to unfold.

Touted as being based on a true story, and starring a seemingly unbeatable cast of Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro, Killer Elite is filled with fast-paced fight scenes that are often hard to follow, much like those from the first Transformers movie.

Jason Statham as Danny and Robert De Niro as Hunter

Though the characters have names like Hunter and Spike, they might as well be John and Jim Doe because of their lack of depth. But few people will be expecting character development with Killer Elite and will be going to see Statham, Owens and De Niro make macho magic. While each actor does a fine job in his respective tough guy role, it often feels like they are making an instructional video on action film acting with stern looks, stubbly faces and no blinking.

Statham plays Danny, a mercenary for hire who wants out but is forced back in when his friend and mentor Hunter (DeNiro) is kidnapped. While Statham is perfectly suited for the action star role, he is not as convincing in the more chameleon-like roles where he somehow fools nurses into thinking he is a doctor and tricks the military into thinking he’s a solider. Statham eventually crosses paths with Spike (Owen), another former mercenary, but the two lack chemistry, leaving the audience unsatisfied after all the buildup.

Despite being based on actual events, Killer Elite is a story that has been told many times before. For those looking for mindless action, you might be better off revisting American Gangster or an old Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. But at least Killer Elite offers a glimpse at a reasonably nice pair of breasts, although I would have preferred bigger nipples.

Killer Elite. Directed by Gary McKendry. Starring Jason Statham, Clive Owen and Robert De Niro. Rated R. www.killerelite.com.

Review by Jason Von Stein