Action thrillers are my strawberry jam (strawberry because it's red...like blood...urgh whatever). Whether it's Liam Neeson kicking ass or Bruce Willis yippee-kiyay-ing bad guys. I. Love. Action. Based off the novel, American Assassin revolves around Mitch who, after a terrorist incident, chooses to pursue and terminate every terrorist ever. But of course he must undergo some standard boot camp training, lead by the legend that is Michael Keaton. I have to get this off my chest: Dylan O'Brien is a beautiful creature. I want to look like I him, I want to smell him, I want to be him. He is, as with most protagonists, invincible. Shot through the chest? Just get back up again. Slice your hand on a blade (twice!)? Don't worry, just a paper cut. Run over by a luxurious vehicle? Well...where there is blame, there is a claim. I could tell O'Brien loved portraying Mitch. His passion was bursting through every scene and clearly likes doing his own stunts. Michael Keaton gets some action as well, and undergoes a vicious torture scene that involves fingernails. Taylor Kitsch is the antagonist, his performance was decent but the character was forgettable. Just a bland terrorist. Yes, the plot is also generic and we've seen it a billion times. What separates this from the rest is the precise execution and good editing (for the most part). I sat down and read 'American Assassin 18 rated'. "What!?" I thought to myself, then the opening scene happens and everything is justified. Exhilarating and horrifying simultaneously. Really well directed, nice one shot take. The last act gets slightly ridiculous but heck I was entertained. I was onboard. "Yeah! America!". Some nice twists as well to maintain the thrills. Also admired the fact they didn't force Mitch to have a love interest, would've diminished his purpose. Guys, I was expecting to hate this...I came out pumped. A pleasant surprise in my opinion and I want to see what more they can do with the character.