Ninja Assassin isn't only one of the weaker film experiences of the year, but it also emerges as a big disappointment, particularly given that it was directed by James McTeigue, a film maker who showed the deft ability to mesh dynamic visual style with surprisingly provocative writing with his outstanding debut V For Vendetta.

Ninja Assassin is all style and no substance. But even stylistically, this movie falls flat. While this tale of a rogue ninja and his quest to destroy the ninja clan that spawned him moves at a quick clip, it never manages to be exciting. Most of the films key action sequences are fast paced, but they occur in complete and utter darkness making it near impossible to allow the viewer to see what the hell is going on. Add to this a choppy cutting style one would expect to see in a Transporter movie, and you have a recipe for disaster. As for the excessive blood splatter, it was mostly done digitally and it really shows.

McTeigue and his screenwriting team would have you believe that this is their homage to ninja films, but its more of an ode to the over the top action films of yesteryear (think Commando) only without the charm. As for the screenplay? I've seen generic Canon productions from the 80's (including the cheesy American Ninja franchise) that were far more moving. This movie is full of stock characters in stock situations, and it constantly breaks its own rules. One minute, a ninja can't be shot, and the next minute, boom! A ninja gets shot. Lame! And all the supernatural mumbo jumbo didn't make a lick of sense.

Ninja Assassin star Rain certainly looks good on camera, but there isn't much charisma there. And what the hell is Naomie Harris doing in this mess. I felt so bad for her. On the other hand, she chose to do it.

I will give Ninja Assassin this; It had a hilariously chaotic opening. Beyond that, its a forgettable movie and completely lacking in the mystery you might expect from a flick about ninja mythology. This actioneer isn't even silly or excessive enough to fall into the guilty pleasure category. In fact, it made me yearn for the glorious days of classic titles like Bloodsport and Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon, entertainments that were more than worthy of their guilty pleasure status. Ninja Assassin isn't Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen or I Love You Beth Cooper bad, but I still wouldn't recommend it. And quite frankly, if I were a ninja (and I'm not--really, I'm not!), I'd be offended.

Grade: C-