AMERICAN ASSASSIN REVIEW

"American Assassin," stars Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, and Taylor Kitch. Its based on a 13 book series that centers on assassin Mitch Rapp. When the trailers came out of this, I was of a mixed mind.  I like the cast, but we have seen this plot so many times. So how cliched was it? Did it live up to the hype? 

When Mitch Rapps girlfriend is killed by terrorists on a beach, (And right after he proposes no less,) he takes on heavy duty training to become an assassin. He learned Arabic, trains in hand to hand combat, and firearms. A CIA recruiter(Lathan) thinks Mitch's courage under fire makes him a perfect candidate for a special ops program run by Michael Keaton. Playing Stan Hurley, the ops head, Keaton brings a certain strength, teaching Mitch to leave his emotions in check, and taking Himont an op to Rome, sees in him an unwillingness to let things go and do as he is told.  It is there that Mitch learns of Stan's ex student. An operative they call Ghost (Kitch)who after acquiring some uranium, sets off to sell it to the highest bidder and take part in destroying the government who disavowed him. 

Yes.... It is as cliched as you think.

 Taylor Kitch might as well be a Bond villain. He is skilled but says outrageous things that make no sense. They don't ever give a real reason WHY he's so angry. And I am suppose to by that Mitch in 18 months becomes the most skilled fighter the CIA has ever seen? No.  Who's paying for all of his stuff? and Lathan is literally the most inept CIA operative head in movie history. She just makes one bad choice after another. 

 The only good things I can say about the film is the action is pretty decent, and  Dylan O'Brien as Mitch, and Michael Keaton as Stan have good chemistry and play off each other nicely. When they focus on their relationship, its interesting. The minute they deal with Kitch, it becomes a "Very Special Bourne." And that just isn't good. 

THE VERDICT

American Assassin may have great action and good performances from its two leads, but unfortunately its not enough to keep us entertained throughout the movie. I give it a C.