‘Ninja’ Hurtles

Some spoilers ahead.

Bloody and frenetic with cartoony violence, “Ninja Assassin” stars Asian actor-pop singer Rain as Raizo, a kickass killer who goes against his years-long programming. Directed by “V for Vendetta’s” James McTeigue, the film has good enough action scenes; stoic Raizo wields his kusarigama and katana with finesse and artistry. But there are some major deletions that affect and weaken some sequences. The threadbare revenge yarn doesn’t help give the protagonist a tangible personality, too. And, it’s unintentionally funny in some parts, especially the scene where law enforcers finally attack the long-hidden sinister ninja school. To its credit, though, “Ninja Assassin” gives a taste of the badassery you missed during the ninja fights in, well, “GI Joe.” The nimble death matches aren’t totally inventive, but they’re fun enough.

“Ninja Assassin” opens next week.