This would have fit right in with films like Face/Off when it was released. Sheeple audiences appear to be regurgitating critic talking points here or making really bad ones of their own to try and be cleaver but makes no sense. One claimed the villain was like Travolta in Battlefield Earth which leads me to believe the viewer hasn’t seen either film as they are NOTHING alike. In fact the villain’s paternal relationship with the assassin is a very unique aspect.
The acting is good but the high speed ultra sharp film looks more like video. The downside is while the visuals are stunning and the action scenes seem more “real” the “soap opera” effect of high film rate makes everything seem less like a movie and more like people shooting a home video. It has a negative impact on performances.
Back to the pluses. The sharp visuals, the lack of smoke and mirrors we associate with film hyper reality means that action scenes feel like they were actually happening. The effect of the younger Will Smith is crystal clear. You don’t watch it feeling like you’ve just seen an effect. It feels like you’re seeing younger Will Smith. Smith’s performance sells it as well the as the effect with less sure mannerisms, a vaguely naive look in the eye and an earnest disposition not yet burdened by guilt and world weary. It goes a long way to sell the idea that we’re seeing two distinctly differently people.
This one is something to see for yourself and without the influence of other people. The action is intense, the performances are good and the concepts of self morality are at least touched somewhat explored. And it’s easily the most successful application of the de-aging effect ever used onscreen.