This reviewer survived to tell the story, so you wouldn’t have to.
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In what must be the most unimaginative action movie title of the year, allow me to introduce Michael Keaton who went from Beetlejuice, Batman, Birdman to B Grade before you can say “nucular bomb”. And then there’s everyone else you’ve probably never heard of. They look great on screen though.
[Disclaimer: Spoilers to follow. For your own good.]
Based on the Mitch Rapp series of novels authored by the late Vince Flynn, we have Hollywood making yet another political thriller. The story is centred around a raging victim of a brutal terror attack; one he vows to vindicate. Add in obligatory CIA handler, training sequence, “totally saw that coming the moment they introduced this person” twists, the inevitable good vs evil faceoff, the “we blew our budget on this” CGI climax, and the cheeky “there might another 7 sequels here if we make enough money” nod at the end. Now be reminded of your ticket price.
[Post-Disclaimer: End of totally justified spoilers.]
There’s nothing wrong with a brainless thriller that keeps you entertained for nearly two hours. Unfortunately, American Assassin is not that movie. It deserved to be assassinated after the first 10 minutes.
This reviewer survived to tell the story, so you wouldn’t have to.
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