Classified movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Classified

This mystery/action thriller releases on streaming platforms on October 22, 2024 to rent or buy.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B-

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about a career CIA hitman who gets his assignments from the classified section of various international newspapers to receive his orders. Suddenly, he discovers that his division has actually been shut down for years.

The film was directed by Roel Reine, who also worked as the cinematographer on this project. He stated that he became a director because he loves creating worlds. Writing credits go to Bob DeRosa.

THINGS I LIKED:

Aaron Eckart sure knows how to pump out movies! I’ve always liked him and his action movies.
The cast is really good and includes Tim Roth, Abigail Breslin, and Marysia S. Peres.
The musical score does a great job creating tension and intrigue.
Abigail Brenan’s snarky humor lightened up the otherwise dark and dramatic scenes.
We get to spend time in gorgeous Malta! Some of the live locations are stunning. Going to Malta has been high on my husband’s Bucket List for a long time, and seeing this movie just moved it up higher on my list.
There’s an interesting twist in Act 2 that will surprise you.
If you’re looking for lots of action and gun fights, you’ve come to the right place.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I don’t know what happened, but Abigail Breslin made wild accusations that Aaron Eckhart was aggressive, demeaning, and unprofessional. The Bulgarian producer of the movie sued her and said her “hysterical and imaginary” allegations put the film’s release in jeopardy. Legal mayhem ensued, resulting in “no evidence” to support her claims.
The timeline bounces from the past to the present, which might confuse some viewers.
Some plot points simply don’t make sense. For example, if you’re “just an analyst”, why would you go after a known assassin by yourself and think you could outsmart and outfight him?
The CGI fire and explosions looked super fake. We also see unrealistic-looking blood sprays when dozens of people get shot.
I love it when titles have more than one meeting. In the case of this movie, “classified” has to do with the secret missions of the CIA and MI6, as well as the fact that Aaron Eckhart’s character gets his mission instructions in coded messages in the “classified” ads section of various newspapers.
Some of the shoot ‘em up sequences are ridiculous. We see one guy with a handgun and a few rounds escape a barrage of sprays from machine guns and high-powered assault rifles carried by dozens of men. Oh brother. At one point, he walks past an assault rifle to pick up a shotgun instead. Out of nowhere, he has rounds in his pocket.
Audiences will pick up on the lack of attention to continuity. For example, the clothing often changes between scenes even though the characters simply walk from one location to another.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity, including F-bombs
Lots of bloody, sometimes gory violence
Various weapons are used
We see a shirtless man in a shower
Innocent people are in harm’s way.
Very high dead body count.

THEMES:

Truth and deception
Loyalty
Friendship
Secrets
Power
Greed

FUNNY LINES:

“I always think better after a cappuccino.” – Kacey Walker (Abigail Breslin)
“And just so we’re clear, if the thought even crosses my mind that you’re playing me, I slit your throat and leave you on the side of the road.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart) “That’s very graphic.” – Kacey Walker (Abigail Breslin)
“I’m pretty comfortable with not talking.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart)
“I have to use the little girls’ room.” – Kacey Walker (Abigail Breslin) “Of course you do.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckart)
“Have you ever seen one of these before?” – Evan Shaw holding up a cassette tape “No! Yeah, I know what a cassette tape is.” – Kacey Walker
“You used to be really bit hit at parties, huh?” – Kacey “I don’t go to parties.” – Evan “That’s a shocker.” – Kacey

INTERESTING LINES:

“I trust you, Kevin. I better; I put my whole life in your hands.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart)
“Why me?” – a mark before being killed in Act 1
Rule number 1: move fast and travel light.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart)
“I go where the road takes me.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart)
“You can pay a man to do anything, but convince him he’s doing it for a cause, and he’ll do it for free!” – Antonio Griffin (Matt Hookings)
“There are other ways of serving your country that don’t involve being alone forever.” – Kasey Walker (Abigail Breslin)
“Rule number 5: action meets reaction every time.” – Evan Shaw (Aaron Eckhart)
“He who knows when he can fight and when he can not will be victorious.” – several people say this throughout the film.