MOVIE REVIEW - The American

We're heading into fall, and that means it must be time for the annual George Clooney sophisticated,serious drama movie. And here it is, The American.

The American is the story of Jack (Clooney). He is some kind of international assassin, gun runner, and just overall bad guy disguised as a slick, suave nice guy. After years of this lonely, solitary lifestyle he decides that he wants out of this terrible way of life. He yearns for a normal life, with a beautiful woman, and wants to reinvent himself as far away as he can. Trouble is, getting out is impossible. And his employer is going to se to it.

First off, this movie will miss with many movie goers who are going in thinking this is a big time action flick, complete with a bunch of gun play and chase scenes. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is NOT an action movie, it is a slow burnng thriller. You must be willing to be as patient as this movie is to enjoy it. This movie follows much of the same formula as old time Clint Eastwood westerns. Especially at the movies outset. Little duologue, and much quiet on screen acting. Much of this movie is told through motion and not words. This will leave some cold.

But The American does build slowly and does turn the corner at about the halfway point. Clooney has found a type of movie that he is comfortable with. Much like Good Night And Good Luck, Micheal Clayton, and Up In The Air, Clooney has found a formula that works for him. Good stories, told on his terms with good people around him, chucking much of the Hollywood predictable junk.

The American is flawed at times, and is a bit slow especially early. But the story is solid, acting is great, casting is superb, and this is filmed in beautiful, rural Italy. Just a fantastic setting for this movie. This is an adult movie, and won't hold much interest with a young crowd, as The American will not move fast enough for them. Nice adult night at the movies here.

The American. Not perfect by any means. But overall well told, and overall well done.