American Assassin In Theaters September 15th, and It's Outstanding!
Thank you, CBS Films and Lionsgate for inviting me to American Assassin pre-screening and press junket of AMERICAN ASSASSIN. Written by Vince Flynn, the author of 16 political thriller novels. He also served as a story consultant for the fifth season of the television series 24. AMERICAN ASSASSIN is directed by Michael Cuesta and produced by Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and Nick Wechsler. Vince Flynn passed away on June 19, 2013, after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. Truly a brilliant man, who loved what he did and took pride in what he wrote. Granted this isn’t your typical mom movie but I have to say this is one kick ass movie that will have you at the edge of your seat, biting your nails and wanting to get in on the action.
Watch out and move over Jason Bourne, Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible) and 007! There’s a new hero in town and guess what, there are 16 books, so we will be seeing more of Mitch Rapp (Dylan O’Brien). Can I get a hallelujah, not only is he extremely attractive, he plays a rogue spy (that’s on our side), with the ultimate swagger. The cast is unbelievable, from Michael Keaton, Taylor Kitsch, Sanaa Lathan, Shiva Negar and much more, each by their own right, outstanding. I had the chance to attend the press junket and my main fascination was, on screen there was chemistry with each and every character, there wasn’t one character that you thought, “this is boring,” on the contrary, you’re literally sucked into the movie, you are invested, when someone dies, you’ll physically be in pain because you are part of the family, you're invested. You’ll find a piece of yourself in each character and I’m talking about from the very start of the film, good or bad. The good characters you’ll see qualities that you see in yourself or would like to have and the villains, you will hate immensely. You’re immediately taken down the proverbial rabbit whole, I personally haven’t felt like this for a non-mom movie in a long time. This is one movie I suggest you hire a sitter and GO SEE IT! It’s an intense, psychological thriller that's mind blowing.
I was given a chance to speak to Shiva Negar whose unique background was an asset to the film, Shiva was born in Iran and raised in Turkey and Canada. Shiva was also raised by a single mom, which as a single mom, I was so proud to see her in flourish. We spoke about her mom in length, "she’s her true cheerleader," but all the while she made sure Shiva attend college and obtain her degree. What I loved about Shiva on screen and off, she’s a sexy, smart, no nonsense savvy woman who isn't defined by a man. Now, this is a phenomenal role model for our generation. Love that Hollywood is making this a norm, that women can be more than just a pretty face!
Dylan O’Brien is a force to be reckoned with, he’s on fire. At 26 years old, he’s stepped in a role of a lifetime, an opportunity at this caliber, I imagine doesn’t come around very often. Here’s the drill on Mitch Rapp, he witnessed his girlfriend/fiance gunned down in cold blood. Now his soul purpose in life is revenge, in the process of his late night chats on the darknet the CIA find him. Mitch is recruited by the CIA and trained by Michael Keaton's Stan Hurley, and from there, the duo start investigating a wave of attacks on both military and civilian targets that have been ignited by Taylor Kitsch's "Ghost," who wants to start a world war in the Middle East.
I would love to dissect each role but you’d be reading forever, what I will tell you is, this is a MUST see movie. Then when you've watched it, grab the books. I couldn’t bare the anticipation of waiting for the next movie so I bought the books. American Assassin hits theaters September 15, buy your tickets now, you’ll thank me. x