Title: American Assassin
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Michael Cuesta
Starring: Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, and Taylor Kitsch
Runtime: 1hr 51 mins

What It Is: Mitch Rapp (O’Brien) suffers the ultimate tragedy when his fiance is killed in front of him during an apparent terrorist attack. Rapp seeks revenge and the CIA recruits him as black ops. He trains with ex-Navy Seal Stan Hurley (Keaton) who puts Rapp through a boot camp to excel the skills that Rapp already has, and teach him things beyond what he has learned. Together, Rapp and Hurley investigate attacks that have been happening around the world. But a man from Hurley’s past, “Ghost” (Kitsch) has plans of his own–plans that involve plutonium and wiping out the Middle East and starting World War III

What We Think: This movie has the kind of action that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Dylan O’Brien really steps out of his comfort zone and shows off his acting chops. You may recognize O’Brien from Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner series, but this kid definitely carried the film past all expectations, especially since most of his spotlight movies before this were geared toward teenagers.  Michael Keaton turns in another solid performance as the ex-Navy Seal.  The pair works together well on screen together.

Our Grade: B-

American Assassin works and holds your attention throughout its runtime, even if it isn’t perfect. The acting of O’Brien and Keaton carry this movie and keep you entertained.  If you want an action-packed movie, then this is the one for you.  It straps you in the front seat from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go until the end.