User reviews

Directing by Kaare Andrews was adequate - for a B-grade film, but camera shots during the action scenes weren't good. Directing his cast was also an issue - his inexperience apparent. The writing by newb Oliver Thompson was terrible, even for an amateur. Lame cliched dialogue, dumbed down extended scenes, with plot and technical issues. Had this been edited properly - trimmed/cut out around 10-15 min off the poorly paced 90 min runtime, most of the writing issues wouldn't be as apparent. So not entirely Thompson's fault for the final product. The score was actually fitting and not as overbearing and loud you'd expect in a B-grade film. Although we've seen many films like this, for a B-grade film put together by inexperienced filmmakers, this one held my attention and was enjoyable for the most part - especially the first third of the film. It's a very generous 6/10 from me.

This film was pretty good. I've only seen one other movie in the franchise so far. But from what I've seen they are also pretty entertaining. The character of yuki introduced here I liked very much and feel she could have her own spin off in the future. Aside from this the main two actors were good as always and altogether if your a fan of the series or just like action films in general then you are going to like this one.

This is a truly spectacularly bad movie. The storyline was incoherent, the dialog was poor, the characters were all one dimensional cliches, the acting was dreadful, the pacing was too slow to build any suspense, and the "action" scenes were a big nothing. Don't waste your time.

I think it would be fair to say the films in the sniper franchise have consistently varied in quality. Since the original, the movies have never been big-budget Hollywood grade spectacles, and Assassin's End continues this trend, whilst also being tonally different. The eighth installment has a sense of humor, and a desire to just have fun, something the other films had trouble with, considering the overly serious execution. I imagine, this tonal shift will put diehard fans of the formula off. Casual fans however, such as myself, will potentially find this addition to the franchise quite refreshing.

Occasionally, the B-grade nature of the film really pops out at the viewer, revealing the obvious limits in budgeting. Realism is sacrificed when a squad of soldiers is actually just a couple of men; explosions are kept to an absolute minimum; and the main antagonists could feature in a James Bond knock-off, twirling a moustache.

Liberties are taken to get the narrative moving; example, a character just leaving their destination's coordinates lying around; hmmm, unlikely. The movie's attempts to have its audience suspect the intentions of multiple characters additionally makes for a jarring experience, while for a film in the 'sniper' series, there is sometimes a little less sniping, with this sequel working as a pseudo-detective narrative.

Our boy, Brandon (Chad Michael Collins) is enjoying his first vacation - until he isn't, whereby he's arrested for an assassination we, the audience, know he didn't commit (think of the frame jobs in 'The Art of War' and 'Jack Reacher' for comparison). Franklin (Lochlyn Munro), the agent in charge of investigating, is the typical cop who believes he's found his man, the film's suspension of disbelief taking a hit when much of the concrete evidence is merely talked about, instead of shown.

Rosenberg (Ryan Robbins) however, is far more interesting. Hired by the titular 'Colonel' (note, Dennis Haysbert makes no appearance in this movie), his task is to find out the truth, no matter the cost, occasionally playing hard and loose with the law. Despite his dedication to the job, he also serves as the comic relief, tossing sarcastic quips like hand grenades into conversations, many of which actually land.

Feeling he has no other choice to prove his innocence, Brandon escapes custody and seeks out his father, Thomas (Tom Berenger), who, in this feature, really leans into being a hermit. There is a good back and forth between them, which is quite amazing considering the lack of familial chemistry in previous films. The plot finds time for a back-story to make Thomas appear more fatherly, their bond feeling more genuine for it.

When it comes to the main antagonists, who use voice modifiers to conceal their identity, and are in the movie for no more than a few minutes, they come off as clichéd and unentertaining, their motivations receiving the most menial of explanations. On that note, ironically, it is Lady Death (Sayaka Akimoto), who's probably one of the best parts of the film - and not just because she's more beautiful than Aphrodite. An assassin, hired to take out Brandon, she makes up for the flawed nature of the other villains by being multi-faceted; demonstrating ruthlessness, whilst also maintaining a code. She is played up as a distinct threat, and can match the Becketts on the field of battle. Furthermore, her introduction is perhaps one of the best for villains across this franchise - though, for such a skilled actress, she is criminally underused.

Camera techniques, including splitting the screen into panels to show multiple perspectives, and the use of the Hitchcockian dolly zoom, not only increases tension during scenes, but brings character to the visual process. The title screen is equally memorable, with retro text popping up as though we're in a night club; or an '80s inspired arcade game, having a distinct connection with one of the film's characters. The music is very electronic, and even when it isn't, the dark charm of the track speaks to the characters and plot.

In a story of interwoven conspiracies, depth often feels to have been left on the cutting room floor; this is a strictly turn-your-brain-off kind of flick. Despite some absurdities, that detracts from the realistically gritty tone the series is known for, the feature's self-awareness, use of comic relief and humor, goes a long way to refreshing the franchise's formulaic structure. The inclusion of some new blood, some of whom will hopefully return in sequels (though let's not hold our breath) makes the film even more watchable. I'm not going to say this was the best film in the series to date, though in many ways, it stands above others.

What can I say.... watched it to the end, did not hit fast forward at anytime, but it was no masterpiece. A B-grade movie

I found the dialogue and scene flow poor. Difficult to relate to the characters. Mostly just action. Found the story line very predictable... no surprises.

The tactical errors done by police were far too many for me to mention in goofs on this page. For example, swat teams entering a kill zone at almost shoulder to shoulder distancing. Only remotely resembled how real police conduct themselves in a combat zone. This is the worst of Sniper series.

Story is well but presentation is average though it would have many chances to make interesting movie. However it not bad too, once time watchable. Some sequences like fight Between Beckett and Lady Death and investigation by Mr. Zero are interesting. Michael Jonson impressed us with his height and deadly grip (Remember me 'Billa' (Manik Irani) in Bollywood) . Last snipping scene by father of Beckett is with full of thrill. Watch at once with not much expectations then you will enjoy this thrilling ride of spy drama.

Damn, I love the Sniper-series and that love is pretty much what made me sit through these 90 minutes of utter drivel. So sad to see such a good franchise be turned into such a waste of time, effort, money and of my attention. A plot that is pretty much non-existent, actors clearly having trouble trying to make something out of nothing, shooting scenes that make you wonder why they didn't hire an advisor since they clearly haven't got a clue what they're doing. If you want to know how to get caught in a cross fire just have a look at the Russian "kill team" intercepting the prisoner transfer....what a joke that scene is. Overall long unnecessary scenes about nothing taking forever.... All in all a missed opportunity and a complete waste of time, both when it was being made and when it is being watched. Don't bother seeing this unless you're an aspiring director and you want to take notes on how not to do it.

I absolutely love the Sniper franchise. This movie is a far departure from the norm but we get to see the smart ass side to Brandon and the deeper side to Thomas. Bring in the brilliant Ryan Robins and exceptional Michael Jonsson with high octane action you have one hell of an action movie. It's not meant to be hard core mind bender but a fun sit down action entertainment. And for me that hit the mark. Thank you Kaare Andrews for great fresh feel. The stunt choreography was brilliant and the down time scenes showed us just how versatile Chad Michael Collins is. Brandon usually the in control, show no emotion marine got to show off his sassy side.

Well done to a great cast, a good script and a brilliant director.

Now waiting for the next one.

Entire film full of boring conversation and terribly empty characters. Another disappointed film!

Would have been a very average action movie if the characters scripts weren't so funny. Very similar to the tv show sniper, I didn't like how it ended with everything wrapped together nicely in a little bow.

I thought they should have stopped making such cliché flops at least 10 years ago. Terrible film, real waste of time. I fast forwarded dialogues in 2 instances, they had no meaning. The investigator is plain stupid, the plot is weak, Lady Death and the Russians are unrealistic and look like grotesque cartoon characters. In short, this is a total disaster.

Script and acting of lochlon monroe was just terrible

Just watched this and I think I did well to get to the end, the story is full of more holes than than were shot by the assassin. The acting particularly of the lead CIA guy was a joke, one of the worst performances I've ever witnessed.

I made it to the end but please don't bother watching this and you'll thank me later.

Can't believe it's been marked so low. Apart from a few quirks I think it's an ok film. Yes I'd watch it again. If you like the transporter franchise this is a bit more highbrow. Trade up. You never know, you may get a hankering for good films.

I felt like I was re-watching the movie Shooter for the most part. No innovation, no suspense, no real intrigue, no surprises...Not talking bout the acting and the dialogues as there was really nothing noteworthy on this front as well. Just a n average random movie to watch when one has 90 minutes to kill.

I love it. Everyone were fantastic! The music was incredible! How I love Brandon Beckett. Hopefully if there's a 6th film, I would love to see Brandon settling down.

This is the 8th of 9 "Sniper" movies that are somewhat related to one another- the 9th installment called "Rogue Nation" being the only one I did not like thus far. My positive rating for "Assassin's End" is strictly for it's unique scenario and suspense despite 'the hero being frame' synopsis is being done to death, so sue me that I kind of like the spin of this common theme. I also liked some of the unique action sequences regarding the hero's escape.

It stars Chad Michael Collins as decorated sniper Brandon Becket when a speck of his hair has been found on the site where a sniping supposed to have occurred during a successful hit of an important dignitary. And just as soon that Asian female assassin nicknamed as Lady Death (Sayaka Akimoto) was about to put another hit on our hero who was sitting on a couch playing a black ops game on a console a Swat team then break in to arrest him. And of course, viewers already know what happened as his hair was planted and that the lady assassin was also given orders to finish him after her hit on the dignitary to complete the cover up. And after his successful escape he still needs the help of his dad Thomas Becket (Tom Berenger) his 6th appearance of the Sniper movies.

Every sniper movie in the series is progressively worse then the previous one. I feel cheated for wasting my bandwith and illegally downloading this film

With logical flaws that begs the question "How these guys ever survived training school, let alone first mission?" With flawed storyline where you actually don't understand how is something humanly possible.

With bad acting.

With stereotypical shots.

Etc.etc.

Movie would be so boring, if it weren't so bad.

Well actually that pun is not entirely right. Unless I meant or was saying it when it comes to the movie franchise itself. That being said you have to be a fan of the series - to really enjoy the outputs. Tom Berenger has done quite a few movies - but I reckon the Sniper franchise will be the thing most remember him by.

It's almost funny, because he has sort of given way to a younger cast - yet he comes back over and over again. As mentor of course, but he also has his fair share of scenes. Action is well shot - and the ending sort of gives the makers opportunity to continue on if they wish too ... they probably will at some point - maybe covid stopped them in their tracks - oops another pun.

The worst in the Sniper series. Lady Death the best role, you can save the series with such a character.