(3 out of 5 stars)

Bangkok Dangerous was a foreign film released in Thailand in 1999 and now Hollywood has revamped it with the same directors for American audiences. Nicolas Cage plays a hitman who follows the ‘rules’ of the hitman to remain a ghost and kill his target, but once he ignores his own rules, his last assignment falls apart and spells impending doom upon his character.

This movie is entertaining, has a plot that is easily followed, but was largely ignored by American audiences as Hollywood released it in the dumping ground month for movies; September. It may be a bit of an obvious film with its gimmicks of the ‘rules.’ You know he will break a rule and it will come back to haunt him, but it does not matter. The movie is fun to watch.

 Cage’s character meets an Asian deaf mute who becomes his girlfriend, as well as a Thai misanthrope who acts as his messenger to the ultimate boss. There is really no chemistry between Cage and the Asian actress although the story is sweet, it is a bit unbelievable. With Kong, his messenger, why would a hitman make his messenger his understudy? A good hitman would not create this kind of personal relationship. It allows the plot to move forward, but again, it seems unrealistic.

 Ultimately, dangerous things happen in Bangkok, but they are unrealistic, but if it is entertainment and an easy to understand story you want, then this one is for you. If you are looking for high quality, look elsewhere.

Suggested similar recommendations: The Departed and Sin City