Hitman Movie Stalls: Urgent Action Needed Now

The Bang Trailer Highlights Hollywood’s Addiction to the Hitman Theme

The initial moment a hitman gazed into his reflection, pondering the morality of his violent lifestyle, was a memorable one. Fast forward to the hundredth instance? It loses its impact. The trailer for Bang, featuring Jack Kesy as the main assassin and Peter Weller as his ruthless superior, serves as a montage of worn-out genre clichés. A brush with death leading to personal redemption? Check. An unyielding crime organization refusing to let him escape? Naturally. A deep, gravelly voice declaring, “Once a killer, now the target”? Groan.

Director Wych Kaosayananda—known for the notorious Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever—isn’t breaking new ground here. Instead, Bang feels more like a nostalgic throwback—a direct-to-VOD relic of early 2000s action films, featuring poor lighting, clichéd shootouts, and a protagonist who is more contemplative than chatty. The most surprising aspect? That Saban Films even opted for a limited theatrical release.

A Sense of Familiarity
The exhaustion with the hitman trope is nothing new, yet Bang makes no effort to vary its approach. When compared to recent offerings like The Killer (with Fincher’s precise direction) and Nobody (Odenkirk’s middle-aged fury)—films that at least toy with the genre—it’s clear this one sticks firmly to a formula. The story beats are so predictable that you could anticipate the lines before they’re delivered. Moreover, the casting feels safe: Kesy (The Strain, Deadpool 2) does intensity well, but how often has Peter Weller’s commanding presence gone unrealized in yet another generic antagonist role?

Who is the Target Audience?
Comments on the trailer’s YouTube page paint a clear picture: “Looks okay for a lazy Sunday.” “What was the point of this?” This appears to be a film that goes largely unnoticed in the streaming landscape, likely consumed by night owls and completists. Kaosayananda does have a loyal fan base for his edgy, low-budget style (such as in One Night in Bangkok), but Bang’s dull visuals and uninspired dialogue suggest he might be on cruise control this time.

The Conclusion
Bang is set for release on July 11 in both theaters and VOD. Unless you are a hardcore fan of Weller or are looking for something to play in the background while doing chores, feel free to pass on it. The hitman genre could seriously use some innovation—or better yet, a moratorium. This film isn’t the answer.

Final Thought:
Hollywood continues producing these because there’s still an audience. Perhaps it’s time to consider retiring the trope before it reaches its breaking point.