AMERICAN ASSASSIN

A convoluted plot packed with action, American Assassin is a confusing spy thriller.

The narrative begins with Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien), a young man proposing to his girlfriend Katrina (Charlotte Vega) on an Ibiza beach, when all of a sudden machine-gun toting terrorist mow down the beach revellers. Katrina is killed and Mitch is seriously injured. This massacre scene seems to be inspired by the shootout at a Tunisian Beach in 2015. Eighteen months later, Mitch on Rhode Island, is all set to fight Islamic terrorists. He becomes an expert marksman and a close quarter combatant determined to take down any and every terrorist.

The screenplay, adapted from Vince Flynn’s 11th novel of the same name, is written by five writers and yet they could not salvage the story. Packed with cinematic liberties, the plot shuttles from places like; Ibiza, Rhode Island, Tripoli Libya, Roanoke Valley, Virginia, Romania, London, Warsaw Poland, Istanbul.

The action sequences - be it the fisticuffs or chase scenes - are intense and executed in a staged manner. That makes the entire viewing experience seem gory and unrealistic. On the performance front, O’Brien makes for a convincing action hero. As Mitch Rapp, he is adorable. He comes across as an unfriendly yet concerned colleague and that’s why this self-made assassin seems confusing. Similarly, Michael Keaton’s quizzical glance at the very end leaves you scratching your head as to why that look. As Stan Hurley, he is undoubtedly brilliant. He elevates his character with nuances which only he can deliver.