Film review: 'Killing Time'
Its press notes describe "Killing Time" as a "contemporary spaghetti western," but this effort is so limp and lifeless, one gets the feeling it's been left in the pot too long. This violent actioner has no spark or originality and tries so hard to be quirky that it comes across as simply odd. Theatrical prospects are nil, but video rentals will no doubt be sparked by its sexy hitwoman's image gracing its ads.
The film, set in northern England, begins with a Tarantino flourish as an elegant auctioneer, standing in front of a bound-and-tied man, delivers a monologue about his sexual arousal being dependent upon violent acts. Dispatching his victim in brutal fashion, he gets a contorted expression on his face indicating that he was telling the truth.
The victim, it turns out, was a cop, and two of his colleagues quickly hire an Italian hitwoman (Kendra Torgan) to exact revenge. The woman barely speaks a word of English, but she manages to make herself understood with her highly proficient and unhesitating use of lethal weapons. She's soon leaving bodies, not to mention leering stares, all over the place. While trying to track down the auctioneer, she must also dodge a group of bumbling assassins hired by the same cops to get rid of her.
The film contains no shortage of bloody violence, but it still manages to be tedious and uninvolving, with none of the characters resonating beyond generic or exaggerated types. The screenplay's many attempts at black humor fall flat, and credibility is not a factor.
On the plus side, Torgan makes a stunningly beautiful gunslinger. Fortunately for male viewers, she manages to find time away from her exertions for a nice, relaxing bath.
KILLING TIME
Avalanche Releasing
A Pilgrim Films production
in association with Metrodome Films
Director: Bharat Nalluri
Screenplay: Neil Marshall, Fleur Costello,
Caspar Berry
Producer: Richard Johns
Executive producer: Paul Brooks
Associate producer: Alan Martin
Director of photography: Sam McCurdy
Editor: Neil Marshall
Original music: Christopher Slaski
Color/stereo
Cast:
Bryant: Craig Fairbass
Assassin: Kendra Torgan
Madison: Peter Harding
John: Neil Armstrong
George: Ian McLaughlin
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The film, set in northern England, begins with a Tarantino flourish as an elegant auctioneer, standing in front of a bound-and-tied man, delivers a monologue about his sexual arousal being dependent upon violent acts. Dispatching his victim in brutal fashion, he gets a contorted expression on his face indicating that he was telling the truth.
The victim, it turns out, was a cop, and two of his colleagues quickly hire an Italian hitwoman (Kendra Torgan) to exact revenge. The woman barely speaks a word of English, but she manages to make herself understood with her highly proficient and unhesitating use of lethal weapons. She's soon leaving bodies, not to mention leering stares, all over the place. While trying to track down the auctioneer, she must also dodge a group of bumbling assassins hired by the same cops to get rid of her.
The film contains no shortage of bloody violence, but it still manages to be tedious and uninvolving, with none of the characters resonating beyond generic or exaggerated types. The screenplay's many attempts at black humor fall flat, and credibility is not a factor.
On the plus side, Torgan makes a stunningly beautiful gunslinger. Fortunately for male viewers, she manages to find time away from her exertions for a nice, relaxing bath.
KILLING TIME
Avalanche Releasing
A Pilgrim Films production
in association with Metrodome Films
Director: Bharat Nalluri
Screenplay: Neil Marshall, Fleur Costello,
Caspar Berry
Producer: Richard Johns
Executive producer: Paul Brooks
Associate producer: Alan Martin
Director of photography: Sam McCurdy
Editor: Neil Marshall
Original music: Christopher Slaski
Color/stereo
Cast:
Bryant: Craig Fairbass
Assassin: Kendra Torgan
Madison: Peter Harding
John: Neil Armstrong
George: Ian McLaughlin
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 2/4/1998
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.