American Assassin

Based on the novel by American author Vince Flynn, American Assassin certainly looks like it is the blueprint for a series of movies.

Flynn penned thirteen novels all based on the story Mitch Rapp a CIA secret agent. Sadly Flynn passed away in 2013 but Kyle Mills kept the series going with four more books being released by September 2017.

With all of this content to work with, you can see why Hollywood would want to make an impact with the first outing and there is no doubt they certainly do that.

What Is American Assassin About?

The film begins with Mitch Rapp (Dylan O'Brien) proposing to his girlfriend on a beautiful beach. However, their joy is short-lived when a group of terrorists launches a brutal attack, killing everyone in sight, including Mitch's fiancée.

Devastated and seeking revenge, Mitch trains himself physically and mentally, determined to take down the terrorists responsible.

Mitch's actions attract the attention of CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy (Sanaa Lathan), who recognises his potential and recruits him for a secret black ops program called Orion.

Under the guidance of Cold War veteran Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton), Mitch undergoes intense training to become a highly skilled assassin.

As Mitch's training progresses, he and Hurley become embroiled in a race against time to stop a former Orion operative named Ghost (Taylor Kitsch, The Terminal List). Ghost has gone rogue and plans to acquire a nuclear weapon to create global chaos.

Mitch's personal vendetta merges with the larger mission to save countless lives, putting him at the centre of a dangerous and complex web of espionage and international intrigue.

American Assassin Official Trailer

Is American Assassin Worth Watching?

With explosive action sequences, intense combat scenes, and high-stakes espionage, American Assassin takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the world of covert operations.

It is an action-packed thriller that's fast and exciting with superb performances from Dylan O'Brien and Michael Keaton (Dopesick). O'Brien shines as the driven and conflicted Mitch Rapp, effectively portraying his transformation from an ordinary individual to a skilled assassin.

Michael Keaton brings a gritty and captivating presence to his role as Stan Hurley, showcasing his experience and mentorship. The chemistry between the actors enhances the dynamics between their characters.

With thrilling and well-executed action sequences there is plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat. And hat's off to whoever created the fight choreography because it is top notch.

Added to that, the plot blends elements of revenge, espionage, and international intrigue, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. With plenty of twists, turns and unexpected surprises, American Assassin is a solid action thriller.

It may not have won any awards, but if you are looking for a good film that is not trying to be anything other than it is – then check it out now.

Cast & Characters In American Assassin

Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp. A young man seeking revenge and training to become a CIA operative.

Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice) as Stan Hurley. A tough and experienced Cold War veteran who becomes Mitch's mentor.

Sanaa Lathan as Irene Kennedy. The Deputy Director of the CIA who recruits Mitch for the black ops program.

Taylor Kitsch as Ghost. A former Orion operative who goes rogue and becomes the film's main antagonist.

Where Was The Movie Filmed?

American Assassin was primarily filmed in various locations in Europe. That includes London and Birmingham in the UK where Somerset House in Westminster doubled as the market square in Warsaw.

It was also filmed in Italy with the Centro Culturale Brasile-Italia at Piazza Navona, Rome used as Banca Rugerio Private Banking and Corviale as the site of the bomb-makers hideout.

Additional production also filmed in Valletta, Malta and Istanbul, Turkey and Phuket, Thailand stood in for the Ibiza beach scenes.