Hitman: Redemption

A former Mossad agent-turned-contract killer grows weary of his trade and considers retirement in this slow-burning but stylish thriller, which is unconnected to the Hitman sci-fi franchise. Ron Perlman oozes hard-man gravitas as Asher, who lives in Brooklyn and carries out solo jobs for paymaster Avi (Richard Dreyfuss). But ill-health and competition from his protégé (Peter Facinelli) give the laconic loner pause for thought. A random encounter with a kind-hearted ballet teacher (Famke Janssen) and a chance at love only fuels the urge to hang up his silencer. Despite a familiar "ageing assassin" plotline, director Michael Caton-Jones (Rob Roy) delivers mood and menace, and is well served by Simon Boswell's bluesy score. Veteran British star Jacqueline Bisset adds interest as Janssen's ailing cockney mother, but it's Perlman who anchors proceedings with a typically imposing yet soulful performance.