Trailerblazing -- American Assassin

American Assassin -- September 15, 2017 -- directed by Michael Cuesta -- starring Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Taylor Kitsch, Sanaa Lathan, David Suchet

Showcasing one of the most intense, action-packed trailers in recent years, this Michael Cuesta film looks like a cross between Patriot Games and the Jason Bourne adventures. Based on the first novel from Vince Flynn's series about counter-terrorism agent Mitch Rapp, American Assassin could be the start of the next great action franchise if the screenplay proves to be rich in characterization and conflict. The one element that it already hits a bullseye with is the casting. Keaton and Lathan are always great in any story, anywhere and anytime, 'nuff said. O'Brien, who was so charismatic in The Maze Runner and Deepwater Horizon, is a great choice for the role of a young government agent with a painful history. I am happy that Kitsch has been getting so many complex roles lately, from The Normal Heart to this film, and to the upcoming "Waco". He is a terrific and multifaceted actor that has yet to find the role of a lifetime, but is well on his way. The characters definitely caught my eye while watching the trailer, as did the stunning combat sequences. I have not read Flynn's novel, but I understand that the series is extremely popular, so I am hoping that the film is equally successful and that it represents a new take on action thrillers.