The Assignment

  • 2016
  • R
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
5.5/10547
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: The Assignment Review

Last updated: February 22, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 22, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Assignment (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Assignment features a noteworthy lineup led by Michelle Rodriguez . Supported by the likes of Sigourney Weaver and Tony Shalhoub , 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 The Assignment (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Assignment stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: The Assignment

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, The Assignment is a Action, Crime, Thriller film directed by Walter Hill. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Michelle Rodriguez.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, Walter Hill establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Ace assassin Frank Kitchen is double crossed by gangsters and falls into the hands of rogue surgeon known as The Doctor who turns him into a woman. The hitman, now a hitwoman, sets out for revenge, aided by a nurse named Johnnie who also has secrets. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Michelle Rodriguez, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: The Assignment

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Walter Hill, The Assignment attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Michelle Rodriguez, 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 The Assignment reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

The Assignment Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

The Assignment incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, crime, thriller film directed by Walter Hill, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Michelle Rodriguez's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: The Assignment adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch The Assignment?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Action films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

Box Office Collection: The Assignment

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $5.0M
Worldwide Gross $388.8K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Assignment Budget

The estimated production budget for The Assignment 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.

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Top Cast: The Assignment

All Cast & Crew →
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle RodriguezFrank Kitchen / Tomboy
Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney WeaverDr. Rachel Kay
Tony Shalhoub
Tony ShalhoubDr. Ralph Galen
Anthony LaPaglia
Anthony LaPagliaHonest John Hartunian
Paul McGillion
Paul McGillionPaul Wincott
Ken Kirzinger
Ken KirzingerNurse Albert Becker
Paul Lazenby
Paul LazenbyBodyguard
Zak Santiago
Zak SantiagoEdward Gonzales
Adrian Hough
Adrian HoughSebastian
Alex Zahara
Alex ZaharaVladimir Gorski
Chad Riley
Chad RileyMerchado
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Where to Watch The Assignment Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

The Assignment Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Assignment age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Assignment is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Assignment is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Assignment is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for The Assignment. Rating: 5.5/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Assignment worth watching?

The Assignment is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Assignment parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Assignment identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Assignment?

The total duration of The Assignment is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.

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How The Assignment Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Assignment

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.5
The Assignment
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