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ASSASSIN'S CREED

Assassin's Creed is an action packed film filled with an amazing choice of actors and actresses. Usually I don't enjoy films that have a lot of violence in them, but this film has a storyline that always has you on the edge of your seat ready to see what would happen next.

The cast is outstanding and their characters are so well written that, at points make you feel sad for them although they are considered bad people. This film is about Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) who finds out that he is the descendent of Aguilar the last known Assassin to have possession of the Apple of Eden. At the beginning, he is in denial of being considered part of the secret society of Assassins because, as a small child he watched his father, a member of the Assassins, kill his mother. Sofia (Marion Cotillard) is a scientist trying to find a cure for violence with the help of her father (Jeremy Irons). This leads to the wonderful sci-fi part of the film with its revolutionary technology that allows Callum to unlock genetic memory of his ancestor Aguilar.

My favorite part is when Callum goes through his genetic memory and learns the same skills his ancestor, Aguilar, had in order to fight off the people that are taking advantage of him and the other assassins. Another part that stands out is when sometimes they speak Spanish. I really like that because it shows how well thought out the film is. Furthermore the CGI is the best I've seen so far and I personally would go watch this film a second time. This film has many amazing plot twist that just leave you speechless, but you have to watch this film to know what I'm talking about.

I recommend this film to ages 13 to 18 due to the amount of violence shown. I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars because, although it is such a good film with its dialect, script and settings, there are very few parts that leave you confused as to what is going on. This film opens in theaters December 21, 2016 so go check it out.

By Lizeth Gallegos, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15

Films like these are difficult to recommend for people to watch. Assassin's Creed is a film that isn't bad, but it certainly isn't good. Based on the video game series, it's very divisive and my recommendation depends on the person I am recommending it to. On one hand, the action sequences are engaging and well paced, but on the other hand, the movie takes itself much too seriously and is too thickly plotted. It falls to the conventions of a bad action film and yet it finely executes the entertainment aspects of a watchable action film. Therefore, Assassin's Creed proves to be a very mediocre movie.

One of the major questions is whether the film does the game justice or is it a good adaptation. To that I would say yes. The action sequences emulate the video games very well, but the story is something different. As a matter of fact, Ubisoft said that they'd consider using elements from the film in future games. However, I'm sure that playing a videogame with this plot would be much more exciting that watching it. This movie lacks excitement and, more importantly, it lacks fun. Director Justin Kurzel, director of 2015's Macbeth, takes this movie much too seriously. He attempts to add too much depth to these characters and spends much too much time on the back story, motivation and plot. As a matter of fact, I find the cast to be a waste. Four Oscar nominees? Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons, Marion Cotillard, Brendan Gleeson and Michael K. Williams portray supporting characters and they all look like they're having no fun. There's a difference between serious melodrama and fun melodrama that embraces the cheesiness of the piece. The performances in this film fall under the former and they really doesn't work. An audience watching this doesn't want to invest that much, they don't want that kind of heaviness.

The only redeeming quality are the action scenes, without the big names. There is some sensational fight choreography and impressive stunt work. During the moments of action, the film is engaging, exciting, and even edge-of-your-seat captivating. The stunt doubles must have had fun jumping from 125 foot buildings and jumping from roof to roof. It's these scenes and moments that nearly make it worth enduring the long scenes of dialogue and development. That's where the divisiveness comes in. Are the bad parts of overly dramatic plot and character development worth seeing the exhilarating, entertaining action sequences? Well that's a question that depends on the person. To action movie fans and fans of the game, I would say it is worth it. But to the casual action fan or those looking to be entertained that have no attachment to the game, I believe you'll find the film mediocre. Therefore, I give the movie 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. It can be seen at your local theater.

By Willie J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 17

Through Abstergo a company that creates a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the memories of his ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha (Aguilar Of Nerha), in 15th Century Spain. Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins and Templars, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.