Video games that find their way onto the big screen have spotted history at best. For every copy of Tomb Raider or Resident Evil on a DVD shelf, there is a DOA or Street Fighter in Blockbuster’s bargain bin. In the case of Hitman, the film makers’ face the greater challenge of turning a game with a limited cult following into a film that can satisfy both fans and the movie going masses.

The film follows a similar predication to the game. Protagonist Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) is an assassin for hire tasked with taking down Russian president Mikhail Belicoff (Ulrich Thomsen), whose West-friendly views have angered his fellow countrymen. When it emerges 47 may have failed in his mission for the first time, he is forced to team up with Nika Boronina (Olga Kurylenko), former concubine of Belicoff, to find out what has gone wrong.

Fans are unlikely to be disappointed, at least superficially. Director Xavier Gens is reportedly a big fan of the Hitman franchise and went to great lengths to capture the look and feel of 47 (so named for the barcode tattooed on the back of his shaven head). Olyphant captures the cold, emotionless character perfectly, and the wardrobe of the familiar black suit and red tie will please gamers no end.

Unfortunately, the subtle way the plot is depicted will be a frustration to fans and movies fans alike. It contrasts sharply with extreme scenes of violence and intense fight sequences, making the action tough to follow. While this may be workable in a game, it does not translate into a satisfying movie.

The escalating romance between 47 and Boronina will also leave fans and viewers disappointed. Despite fantastic on screen chemistry between Olyphant and Kurylenko, affection and romance simply do not fit with 47’s character.

Die-hard fans of the game will likely get a thrill from seeing 47 in action, even is the film does not stay 100 percent true to the game. For non-gamers, the film’s fast paced action will certainly entertain, but does not achieve simultaneous mass-appeal.