Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed is a video game franchise which fans of the series have been clamouring to see transferred into the realm of film – unfortunately however the first outing is a dull and soulless offering.

Very quickly the film sets out to establish all of the main players from the Assassin’s Creed universe: the Assassins, The Knights Templar and our protagonist Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender). Rather than attempting to adapt an already established character from one of the game entries, we’re instead introduced to Lynch, who is tasked by the Abstergo foundation to relive the genetic memories of his 500 year old ancestor Aguilar de Nerha via their Animus technology.

It is through these memories that the most enthralling material of Assassin’s Creed occurs. The action sequences set during the Spanish Inquisition are incredibly shot and capture the feel of the games outstandingly. Unfortunately however the film insists on constantly reminding the viewer that they are witnessing Lynch live out these memories in modern times by overlaying the Inquisition scenes onto shots of Lynch attached to the robotic arm of the Animus.

Whilst the film remains incredibly faithful to the lore of the game, much like the early games in the franchise too much emphasis is placed on the modern day drama, which is often convoluted and plodding. The ending of Assassin’s Creed sets the universe up for the inevitable sequel, so we must only hope that the film can make the monumental leap of faith to focus on the past, something that the games have done in each subsequent outing. (JA)

★★