Jet Li's films over the past few yuears have definitely been a mixed bag. Some have been outright bad, such as Bodyguard
From Beijing. Some have been mediocre, like Doctor Wai in "The Scipture with No Words". Others, like My Father is a Hero
and Once Upon a Time in China and America have been pretty good. The Hitman, fortunately, continues with the trend set
by OUTICAA, topping that film and comparing favorably to the Fong Sai Yuk films, my personal Jet Li favorites.

In this movie, Jet plays a wannabe hitman who just seems like way too nice a guy to actually kill anyone. When a wealthy
Japanese business man is killed by the "Angel of Death", an unknown killer on a mission to exterminate evil, Jet decides to
pursue the $1,000,000 grand prize for catching the killer. He teams up with Eric Tsang, who plays the goofy buddy in this
picture. Tsang is a shiftless grifter (gotta love that phrase) who basically takes advantage of Jet in pursuit of money.

The film can basically be divided into two parts. The introduction introduces the characters, which also include Simon Yam
as the policeman assigned to the case, and Gigi Leung as Tsang's daughter. There are some great comic sequences between
Jet (whose acting is getting better) and these other characters, including one brilliant sendup of a number of other famous
movie killers (a reward for the HK film cognoscenti).

The second half has Jet, with Tsang tagging along, chasing after clues to the killer's identity, and features a great plot twist.
Throughout the film, there are fabulous action sequences, well choreographed and beautifully directed. Stephen Tung Wai
uses changes of color, slow motion, and changes in film quality to bring the action sequences to life, without obscuring the
fundamental grace of the action. The music also helps, providing a background of subtle unease which is very effective.

Jet is in prime form as an action star, bouncing around the screen like a human anime. This is what we've come to expect
from him, but I still absolutely love watching him. He is so graceful it's absolutely amazing, especially considering that he is
now in his late 30s or early 40s.

For Jet Li and action fans, this film will not dissapoint. It is not deep, nor is it an artistic masterpiece, but it is a great action
film with some excellent comic work from Jet and Eric Tsang. Plus the movie posters are just so cool (anybody want to give
me one?). I've seen the film twice and it only got better the second time.