 No one can hide from revenge. I’m giving American Assassin an A-. When Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien) loses his girlfriend to a terrorist attack right after getting engaged on a Spanish beach, he sets out to infiltrate and bring down those responsible. But he didn’t count on the CIA being interested in his new skill set. Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton) becomes Rapp’s black ops trainer and mentor as they set out to find who has abducted enough plutonium to start World War 3.
Based on the series of books by the late Vince Flynn, American Assassin feels like a younger Jack Reacher or Mission Impossible movie with the sexy Dylan O’Brien taking off his shirt or brooding for the camera every chance he gets. Dylan is a better action hero than Cruise was, and his youth will allow for more longevity with this series. But when you finally get to see Michael Keaton, the movie becomes Beetlejuice training Teen Wolf (both actors’ previous roles). At times, Michael’s facial mania recalls his famous characters and viewers aren’t sure if they are watching Batman or Stan! You have to love a man who can bite the ear off another man and enjoy it while being tortured.
But don’t think that American Assassin has eye candy for only the ladies. The beautiful Shiva Negar is Annika, a deep undercover American CIA operative who knows how to charm European bank heads and install secret cameras with a smile all while wearing heels. But it’s the beauty of the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet which might get male viewers’ attention as they prepare for a nuclear explosion. Which spy movie can claim to rattle an aircraft carrier without losing a single plane?
American Assassin begins as a typical spy thriller movie but amps up the surprises. Just when you think you know who the bad guys are, a new twist is thrown into play and surprise! While other spy franchises are beginning to feel a little old and worn out, American Assassin will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
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Melissa KeirIt's all about the movies... Archives
January 2020
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