If you ask fans who they think is the best action star of today, many will say Scott Adkins. Scott Adkins has appeared as an actor or stuntman in many Hollywood films, but his best work is in smaller productions. He has a long list of high-energy action sequences on his resume, including Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning 2012, Ninja Shadow of a Tear 2013, Eliminators 2016, Avengement 2019 and One Shot 2021. Adkins is a triple-threat, however, because he can not only fight, but also has the charisma to last a lifetime. Hitman’s Holiday has a movie that knows how to use all three, resulting in an exciting, fun and messy action/comedy.
Mike Fallon, played by Adkins, is a former hitman for a London-based organization who staged assassinations to appear accidental. But after a bizarre turn of events that led him to kill every other assassin he killed in the town and decided to never return. Mike Fallon (Adkins) is now living in Malta, where his only friend is an assassin-like Clouseau/Cato named Siuling. She keeps him on his toes every week by surprising Mike. Mike’s past comes back to him when some old friends arrive and he is asked to protect the scheming son of a criminal lord ( Flaminia Cinque), who has a reputation for being a weaselly man ( George Fouracres).
Adkins, along with Stu Small and Adkins’ Acident Man: Hitman’s Holiday writer take this character into their own directions. The film dabbles with the idea of killings that look like they were accidents. However, the action is centered around Mike as he faces an increasing number of dangerous assassins to try and protect Dante. Adkins and the fight scenes are what make this film so successful. It has little plot or character, but it is driven by Adkins and his presence. As a 90-minute trifle, it’s not perfect but is more than satisfying with its strong action sequences and humor. There’s a “shitty”, unnecessary interruption in a fight sequence that could have been cut.
Adkins has a great sense of humor and is an accomplished actor. He’s also not shy about being humble with his co stars. It’s obvious that Adkins is happy to be the punching-bag. From getting told by Chang that he looked like “a melting Ben Affleck”, to having his ass and nads kicked multiple times, he seems comfortable with it. Adkins’ dramatic abilities are showcased in a few more serious scenes, as he faces off against a Ray Stevenson who has been mutton chopped. Adkins has a great time on both sides of the camera.
Hitman’s Holiday is a comical take on the reality of sleazy killers. While they are utterly unbelievable, these clowns would never be able to sneak about undetected in real life. Two of the costumed assassins stand out for their different fighting styles, from using hammers or hands to slashing with knives. Beau Fowler’s Poco, the Killer Clown, is a visually stunning adversary. He also has no pain-sensing ability. Andy Long’s Oyumi shows off some impressive fight skills. Richard C. Bell’s camerawork is also impressive with its dynamic, on-the-spot movements.
They’re strong, entertaining, and provide a fun element to the movie. The fights are mostly good, except for some mistakes in spatial geography. There were multiple times where the depth of a shot failed to convincingly show that the fists or feet it was supposed to hit had been anywhere near their target. The styles and weapons are diverse, with a nice mix of aggression and grace. The majority of fights end in death. However, Adkins and Chang’s more humorous bouts still deliver with style, speed and a lot of furniture broken.
It’s not just sunshine and smiles. accident man: hitman’s holiday, while directed by Adkins’ regular Jesse V. Johnson ( George Kirby and Harry Kirby), is a solo feature debut for the Kirby Brothers. The film can have a chaotic feel as transitions and scenes are rushed. Fans will be able to enjoy the film as it gets better. The first hour is filled with action, fun and plenty of narration. The film’s location in Malta is also a plus, as it brings a beauty to the screen that even the Kirbys cannot match.
Hitman’s holiday isn’t going to set DTV action alight, but Adkins has a growing list of entertaining films. It’s hard to believe that the guy is in his late forties, but you wouldn’t know by his flying kicks, fisticuffs, or wit.