The hit man genre has been done in a variety of ways, often with fast chases, glorified blood-letting, and a booming score. American Star is a thoughtful, refreshing take.
The aging hit man is the superb Ian McShane. McShane is a heavyweight. From Judas, to Lovejoy, Teddy Bass, and Al Swearengen, McShane is always spot-on in his captivating performances.
So it is with American Star. A quiet spin on the hit man at work tale, McShane delivers a lot with minimal dialogue. The hit man's military past is alluded to, but the focus is on the here and now on the gorgeous Canary Island of Fuerteventura.
The tension slowly mounts as viewers are trusted to pay attention to the nuance, small--and tender--moments, and quietly compelling characters. Nora Amezeder's Gloria is delightful, brining a young counter-point to Wilson's sage elder. Fanny Ardant shines in a brief turn as Gloria's mother. Smart, interesting women in a hit man story? Yes indeed.
My one quibble is the casting of Adam Nagaitis as Ryan. He pales next to McShane, never really convincing as one sent to keep an eye on the old veteran.
Lopez-Gallego does not attempt to reinvent the genre, yet he delivers a lot without ever overreaching. Those expecting chase scenes and a ton of gore may be underwhelmed, yet there is vast depth in American Star for those who favor a slow ride with strong close.
The aging hit man is the superb Ian McShane. McShane is a heavyweight. From Judas, to Lovejoy, Teddy Bass, and Al Swearengen, McShane is always spot-on in his captivating performances.
So it is with American Star. A quiet spin on the hit man at work tale, McShane delivers a lot with minimal dialogue. The hit man's military past is alluded to, but the focus is on the here and now on the gorgeous Canary Island of Fuerteventura.
The tension slowly mounts as viewers are trusted to pay attention to the nuance, small--and tender--moments, and quietly compelling characters. Nora Amezeder's Gloria is delightful, brining a young counter-point to Wilson's sage elder. Fanny Ardant shines in a brief turn as Gloria's mother. Smart, interesting women in a hit man story? Yes indeed.
My one quibble is the casting of Adam Nagaitis as Ryan. He pales next to McShane, never really convincing as one sent to keep an eye on the old veteran.
Lopez-Gallego does not attempt to reinvent the genre, yet he delivers a lot without ever overreaching. Those expecting chase scenes and a ton of gore may be underwhelmed, yet there is vast depth in American Star for those who favor a slow ride with strong close.