After retiring from a life of contract killings, ex-SAS man Danny (Jason Statham) has been dragged back into the world of hitmen and mercenaries. Against his better judgement, he has travelled to the Middle East to help his mentor Hunter (Robert De Niro) escape from an Arab prison following a botched assassination attempt.
If he is to save Hunter from execution, Danny must complete a series of murderous missions for the Sheikh who imprisoned him. However, when his targets turn out to be ex-SAS too, the task becomes increasingly difficult. Spike (Clive Owen), the leader of a secretive group that protects the interests of former SAS soldiers, soon comes to the aid of Danny's quarries, culminating in an explosive game of cat-and-mouse between the skilled killers.
Statham has made his name in meaty and undemanding yet satisfying action flicks. No surprises here then, but expectations are increased with a sizeable budget and the presence of film royalty in De Niro. Taken in the light of B-movie action favourites such as The Transporter, director Gary McKendry's debut feature is an exciting ride brimming with drama and while De Niro is out of place, Owen, Statham and others such as Prison Break's Dominic Purcell are great value.
Killer Elite is a Film programme that first aired in 2011 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
