Is Assassination Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Assassination is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 88 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Assassination Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Assassination emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Jay Killon is the bodyguard of the recently elected US president, but he is assigned to the first lady (Lara Royce). Unlike standard genre fare, Assassination attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Assassination features a noteworthy lineup led by Charles Bronson . Supported by the likes of Jill Ireland and Stephen Elliott , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Assassination (1987) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Assassination Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Assassination is a Action, Thriller film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Assassination Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Assassination attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Assassination reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Assassination?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Assassination Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $6.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Assassination Budget
The estimated production budget for Assassination is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Assassination
- Charles Bronson – Jay Killion
- Jill Ireland – Lara Royce Craig
- Stephen Elliott – Fitzroy
- Jan Gan Boyd – Charlotte Chong
- James Staley – Briggs
Top Highlights
Charles BronsonJay Killion
Jill IrelandLara Royce Craig
Stephen ElliottFitzroy
Jan Gan BoydCharlotte Chong
James StaleyBriggs
Frank ZagarinoSecret Service Driver
Randy BrooksTyler Loudermilk
James LempEddie Bracken (as Erik Stern)
Michael AnsaraSen. Bunsen
Kathryn Leigh ScottPolly Sims
Where to Watch Assassination Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Assassination is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, Assassination stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Assassination movie hit or flop?
Assassination has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Assassination worth watching?
Assassination is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Assassination online?
Assassination is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Assassination
How Assassination Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Assassination
The people that put this film together really had no clue on how the Secret Service operates. Whether this was done on purpose to mislead anyone with less than honorable notions or out of Hollywood Ignorance, it really doesn't matter. The thought that a Protectee would be allowed to override Secret Service Policy is absurd and their continued blatant interference with the protective doctrine would not only be terminated at the first episode, but would also result in the Protectee being only kept in secure locations without venturing out into the public eye. The Protectee would not be allowed to be used as bait to trap a suspect, nor would they be allowed to trek across the country vagabond-style in hopes of outrunning their tail. The action scenes were laughable and the shooting was atrocious. If ANY agent or terrorist were to miss their target with as many shots as these characters did, they would have been fired or retired well before they reached their current status. Definitely NOT one of Bronson's best.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
