American Assassin (2017)
American Assassin (2017)
Directed by: Michael Cuesta
Based on the novel by: Vince Flynn
Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Taylor Kitsch, Shiva Negar
OverviewAmerican Assassin follows Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien), a young man consumed by vengeance after losing his fiancée in a terrorist attack. Recruited by the CIA, he’s trained by Cold War veteran Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton) and thrown into a deadly mission to stop a rogue operative threatening to ignite global conflict with a nuclear weapon.
Based on the bestselling novel by Vince Flynn, the film is a fast-paced, globe-trotting action thriller that blends personal revenge with international espionage.
What Worked
Dylan O’Brien’s transformation from victim to vengeance-driven operative Michael Keaton’s scene-stealing performance as the hardened mentor Brutal, well-choreographed action sequences A dark, gritty tone grounded in modern terror threats Slick pacing — rarely drags, with tight runtime and escalating tension
Fan Reactions
“Michael Keaton is the MVP. Every scene he’s in crackles.” “Dylan O’Brien surprised me — intense, convincing, badass.” “Solid action, but the plot is something we’ve seen before.” “Like Bourne meets Jack Ryan, but bloodier.”
Final VerdictAmerican Assassin delivers a punchy, no-nonsense dose of spy-action cinema. It may not redefine the genre, but it’s effective in its execution, thanks to strong lead performances, sharp combat, and a timely premise. It’s a gritty origin story with just enough firepower to keep you locked in.
Rating: 7/10 — A brutal, engaging thriller powered by revenge and ruthlessness.
