Leon hardly has an original plot. Talented mob hitman Leon befriends a young 12 year old neighbor girl, and when her entire family is killed by crooked policemen, Leon takes her in. Then he gives her some training, and they fight back against the corrupt cops. It might have its own aspects, but that sort of plot is rather vanilla in Hollywood for the last 30 years.
The acting is not bad. Jean Reno does a fine job as Leon, and Natalie Portman plays his young friend. They both are passable in their roles, with no major problems (Portman definitely showed promise). However, neither played their characters as well as needed. I mean, I didn't really care all that much for either. I more pitied them, but perhaps that's the point. The whole movie seems to be about the unloved finding each other.
The show is stolen, however, by Gary Oldman. Oldman plays the corrupt policeman with a relish I just plain did not expect. He is beyond brilliant, a joy to watch in a snappy grey suit. His was a performance not to be missed; he elevated the movie from forgettable to memorable all on his own.
Otherwise, I just didn't get the praise people heap upon it. The great crime committed by Leon is that in most every way the movie is remarkably average. Sure, it delves into interesting topics such as honor among thieves, mistrust, and the need for community/love. Some viewers might think it deals with its subject in sublime and powerful ways. To me it seemed like a high school paper on psychoanalysis. Good subject, average to simply passable execution.
Entertainment: 5/10
Artistic Value: 6/10
Technical Merit: 5/10
Overall: 5/10
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