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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't quite click, 29 Jan 2006
Actor Robert Duvall apparently has a liking for the tango dance, and wanted to share his passion with the world via a film. However, perhaps he felt that something needed to be added to the storyline to reach a wider audience. Thus, as writer, director, and producer of ASSASSINATION TANGO, he added another plot - or is it a subplot? - about a professional killer hired for a South American wet job.
Duvall plays John Anderson, an aging hit man in the employ of Big Apple mobster, Frankie (Frank Gio). The light of Anderson's life is 10-year old Jenny (Katherine Miller), the daughter of his significant other, Maggie (Kathy Baker). Though Jenny's birthday is the following week, John accepts an assignment in Argentina to whack a retired general. Frankie assures him that the job should only take three days - a quick down and back in time for birthday cake and presents. However, once in Buenos Aires, the hit is postponed, and John must cool his heels for three weeks. During that period, Anderson's anger over the delay dissipates as he discovers the tango. Or rather, as he re-discovers the tango, which is more structured and passionately choreographed in Argentina than the comparatively staid version back home. And it doesn't hurt that he becomes enthralled with tango dancer Manuela (Luciana Pedraza), who consents to give him lessons.It's not that ASSASSINATION TANGO is a bad film. Nothing with Duvall can be awful. But the bilateral plot didn't click. On one hand, it was never explained why the general needed killing beyond vague references to some terrible things he'd done in the past, presumably against Argentine innocents. That wasn't enough for me to cheer on Anderson's success in the endeavor beyond a laissez-faire goodwill that I would minimally grant the protagonist of any story. On the other hand, there never seemed to be much chemistry between John and Manuela. At one point early in their relationship, Anderson asks the young woman if he'd "have a chance" with her if he was younger. With a coy smile, Manuela answers that he has a chance now. It's a brief spark that fails to erupt into flames. Anderson is perhaps not one you'd want buying a prepubescent girl ice cream, though his conduct with Jenny is irreproachable and devoted. There are some murky corners to his character that go unexplored, as the encounter with an Argentine prostitute. Therefore, the best reason to see this film is the wonderful dancing. Assuming you're a tango fan, that is. If you're not particularly, then you might be reduced to ogling Pedraza's gorgeous legs to get back the price of the ticket. Not bad value, that.
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