American Assassin (2017)
After his fiancée is killed in a terrorist attack, Mitch Rapp is consumed by a thirst for vengeance. His attempts to infiltrate the cell attract the attention of the CIA’s black ops chief, Irene Kennedy. She assigns him to Stan Hurley, a Cold War veteran, for intensive training. Rapp and Hurley are soon tasked with tracking down a mysterious, disgruntled former American operative planning to acquire a nuclear weapon and start a global conflict.
Length: 1h51m
Genre: Action Spy Thriller
This Title is: Revenge Thriller/Espionage Action
Cast
Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Taylor Kitsch, Shiva Negar
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Strong violence and torture, language, and brief nudity.
FAQ
- Is American Assassin (2017) Based on a True Story?: No, the picture is based on the fictional novel of the same name by author Vince Flynn.
- Where was American Assassin (2017) filmed?: Principal photography took place across diverse locations including London, Rome, Phuket (Thailand), and Valletta (Malta).
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Steven Price
Filmmaker Profile
Director Michael Cuesta, known for his gritty, character-driven work on television shows like *Homeland* and *Dexter*, brings a sense of grounded intensity to this action spectacle. His approach focuses on the psychological toll of espionage, giving the set pieces a harsh realism.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The movie succeeds with rapid pacing and expertly staged action sequences across stunning global locations. Its main attraction is the explosive chemistry between the young, fiercely driven star and the veteran, world-weary mentor. The constant tension and physical performances make for a gripping, high-stakes espionage picture.
Main Character Deep Dive
Mitch Rapp’s journey is defined by raw, unchecked grief and a fixation on retribution. The central performance by Dylan O’Brien captures this emotional turmoil, portraying a protagonist who is not yet a polished agent but a reckless, volatile weapon. His intensity makes the transition from civilian to assassin feel earned and exceptionally memorable.
Unforgettable Quote
“Out there you’re a ghost, you don’t exist!”
Trivia
- The movie is based on the 11th book in the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn, but *American Assassin* is chronologically the first book, detailing the character’s origin.
- Dylan O’Brien had to learn basic Arabic for the role, with the character teaching himself the language as part of his focused undercover mission.
- CBS Films acquired the rights to the Vince Flynn book series in 2008, and it took nearly a decade and several changes in director and screenwriter before this adaptation was produced.
Trailer
Stream American Assassin (2017) on:
Our Review
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I found the high-octane action and slick espionage thrills to be truly exceptional. The picture establishes a relentless pace from the opening moments and never lets up, throwing the audience into a morally complex world of secret agents and devastating global threats. Michael Keaton’s turn as the tough mentor, Stan Hurley, is a powerhouse, adding layers of gravitas and dry wit to every scene he is in, creating real sparks with his young protégé. Dylan O’Brien capably embodies the tormented, adrenaline-fueled operative, making his character’s personal mission genuinely impactful. The production is sharp, utilizing diverse, international settings effectively to create a broad sense of scope. The combat is brutal, immediate, and satisfyingly choreographed. It’s an absorbing piece of popcorn entertainment that delivers fully on its promise of non-stop excitement and spectacular stunt work, making it a very worthwhile action experience.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you enjoy hard-hitting, politically charged action stories centered on a young agent’s quest for vengeance, backed by a strong performance from Michael Keaton.
