Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Formulaic action thriller has strong violence, many deaths.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
King of Killers
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
KING OF KILLERS follows assassin Marcus Garan (Alain Moussi) as he is drawn into a deadly competition to eliminate one of his peers.
Is It Any Good?
Based on a graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux -- who here takes on directional duties -- this action flick is under no pretensions about what type of movie it is. King of Killers wastes no time providing a hero with a tragic back story -- flawed assassin Garan, played with high-kicking ease by veteran performer Moussi -- and a "winner takes all" scenario that will be instantly familiar to fans of the Saw and Hunger Games franchises. This sets in motion a lengthy procession of set pieces in which various unfortunates are kicked, punched, shot, stabbed, and in one case separated between head and shoulders. The pumping but generic techno score is as familiar as everything else, not least the movie using up its best ideas for novelty deaths early on. Like its embattled cast of characters, the movie makes it across the finish line slightly winded and in worse shape than when it started. Cameos from Stephen Dorff and mixed martial arts ace Georges St-Pierre throw us a couple of famous faces to glimpse at along the way. But both have the right idea and don't outstay their welcome, which is more than can be said for the sequel that's hinted at in the closing stages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in King of Killers. Were its action scenes scary or impressive? Which ones were memorable and why? What consequences were there? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the difference between Marcus Garan's home and family life with that of his role as an assassin. Was the contrast believable? Did you like him as a character? Why, or why not?
Talk about Drakos' game of life and death, in which Marcus and the other assassins competed. Did it remind you of any other movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 1, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 1, 2023
- Cast : Alain Moussi , Frank Grillo , Shannon Kook
- Director : Kevin Grevioux
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Red Sea Media
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong/bloody violence
- Last updated : July 5, 2025
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