Assassin's Bullet : Easy to dodge

If you're wondering what happened toChristian Slater, the news isn't good: He was last spotted inAssassin's Bullet(1 star out of four, rated R, inNew Yorkand Los Angeles on Friday).unknown, ARC EntertainmentChristian Slater stars in a scene from the motion picture ASSASSIN'SBULLET. HANDOUT Credit: ARC Entertainment [Via MerlinFTP Drop]unknown, ARC EntertainmentChristian Slater stars in a scene from the motion picture ASSASSIN'S BULLET. HANDOUT Credit: ARC Entertainment [Via MerlinFTP Drop]Sponsored LinksWhat snookered Slater (not to mention Donald Sutherland) into this film is a wonder, because there's not a genuine bone in it. Think the Bourne franchise meets the Bond franchise, without the wit or action.Although it looks gorgeous (credit cinematographer Ross Clarkson),Bullethas the unfortunate fate of being a talkie. One that borrows heavily from the spy cliché handbook.Based on a story by Elika Portnoy — who gave herself three vaguely different parts and costumes —Bulletcenters on formerFBIfield agent Diggs (Slater) who is called back to duty to hunt a vigilante killingterrorists fromAmerica's Most Wantedlist.Set in Sofia, Bulgaria,Bulletis a movie in love with the way it looks. And that's usually picturesque, though the shots of building fa?ades and belly dancers can get repetitive.Yet the film insists on trying to tell a story. Diggs is a closed-off agent still trying to get over the death of his wife. We know this because he still wears a wedding ring and looks at hisphoto album with a drink in his hand and water in his eyes. Still, he's good at his job, which is tracking hot killers.Bulletmust be the type of film that frustrates independent filmmakers with a story to tell and no money, because this film's challenge is the opposite. When they get to chew a scene together, Slater and Sutherland show what you can do with two actors and a close-up.ButBulletcan't help but step back and open fire with TV-grade stunts and grade-school dialogue.Duck.