ASHER – A Review by Cynthia Flores
If you read the script written by Jay Zaretsky for Asher, you would think this is going to be a clever hitman flick. Unfortunately, something got lost between the page and what director Michael Caton-Jones did with it. The pacing to what should have been a thrilling film is languid. I do not put the blame on the actors because they are all top-notch veterans of their trade.
The film revolves around Asher (Ron Perlman), a Mossad agent turned gun-for-hire for the New York Jewish mob. He is near the end of his killing days and breaks the hitman oath when he meets Sophie (Famke Janssen) on a job gone sideways. She is a dance teacher who is taking care of her mother Dora (Jacqueline Bisset) who is in the final stages of dementia.
In order to retire and live a real life with this woman before it’s too late, he has to kill the man he was to become, the man he wants to be. His timing couldn’t be worse because he’s unwittingly caught in a coup to overthrow his longtime boss Avi (Richard Dreyfuss). Not an easy profession to retire from alive. There’s lots of bloodshed and attempted hits on him and Sophie that he must navigate.
Asher should have been a much better film. If you are a Ron Perlman fan or want to see Jacqueline Bisset chew up the scenery as a hateful old biddy, then this pic is for you. If not, then I would take a pass on this slow-moving action drama. I give this film a D rating.
Directed by Michael Caton-Jones
Written by Jay Zaretsky
Rated R
Selig Rating D
Running Time 1hr 57min
Drama
Limited Release December 7th AMC Stonebriar
Starring: Ron Perlman, Peter Facinelli, Famke Janssen, Richard Dreyfuss
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn't paid for it.
