Michael Cuesta (Director), Vince Flynn (Novels)

CAST
Dylan O’Brien
Michael Keaton
Sanaa Lathan
Shiva Negar
Taylor Kitsch

Review

Michael Cuesta’s American Assassin presents a familiar tale of revenge and espionage, but unfortunately, its script by Stephen Schiff, Michael Finch, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz falls victim to predictability and a sense of déjà vu. While the storyline follows the well-trodden path of a young man (Dylan O’Brien) seeking vengeance after a personal tragedy, it fails to offer any fresh perspective or original twists to distinguish itself from similar films in the genre. Having yet to read Vince Flynn’s 2010 novel of the same name I cannot ascertain if it is a symptom of its source material or the adaptation. If you know, comment below, I’m curious.

However, amidst the formulaic plot, one shining element emerges: O’Brien’s portrayal of protagonist Mitch Rapp. Initially surprising in the role because of his boyish charm, O’Brien proves to be a solid choice, despite his character’s limited dialogue. He manages to sell the film’s intense action sequences with a raw energy and conviction that captivates viewers. While Taylor Kitsch and Michael Keaton really deliver in their respective roles, O’Brien’s portrayal effectively captures Rapp’s general demeanor, blending vulnerability with unwavering determination in a convincing manner.

While American Assassin may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, Dylan O’Brien‘s performance injects much-needed vitality into the film. Despite its shortcomings, his portrayal of Mitch Rapp elevates the movie beyond its formulaic trappings, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the action thriller genre.

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