Visitors Review

abdul (2012-05-23 17:25)

Boring

The story was so bad that I could not even understand the point of the movie. So bord at least if you feel like sleeping while watching it. The trailer will totally fool you, the action and what it looks like in the trailer has nothing to do with the movie at all. Such a wast of two hours.

(2012-05-23 06:18)

Stinks

This review is from: The American (Amazon Instant Video) If you like movies about nothing with no point, or watching clooney speak about 10 words despite him being in every scene, have a blast. This movie is worthless.

Brancliffe (2012-05-21 03:17)

Visually immense

I am a big Clooney fan and this did not disappoint. Visually the filmwas a feast for the eyes. Architecturally, the audience was reallyspoiled with the townscapes, often taken from directly above to providea map-like view capitalising on the different textures created by thecobbled streets, stairways, roof-scenes and panoramic views. Fantastic.And because so much of the film was shot in quite historic settings, Ithought Jack/Eduardo's (Clooney's) physical appearance had perhaps beendeliberately managed to look almost 1960's - with his exaggeratedside-burns and quite close-cropped hair. And this was complemented verywell by the wardrobe choice, all adding to the overall effect. Stayingwith the narrative theme for a moment longer, I also really appreciatedthe technique used to define Jack/Eduardo's developing personalrelationship with Clara - the indistinct lighting at first followed bybrighter clearer scenes as this evolved. Yes the film was dramatic interms of plot and it was certainly thrilling, but for me the way thiswas filmed made the story-telling so much more. I'd thoroughlyrecommend this film.

pajohns-843-783161 (2012-05-20 21:31)

This movie is the worst in history

This movie is one of the worst ever. No plot, no story and franklyboring. After one hour and forty five minutes, I was waiting to begiven some information about what it was the movie was all about.Apparently it is about Clooney's love for naked women with brown hairand eyes. Clooney's love for beautiful scenery of Italy and Clooney'slove of driving on roads with no one on them. Maybe there is someone on this forum who can tell me the story becauseI did not see or hear or understand that there was one. In addition, Idid not observe much acting.. because Clooney was just behaving as hedoes in real life.I was completely not impressed. This is just another example of theHollywood groupies dictating that the movie was good because Clooney isone of the Hollywood in crowd.A flop pure and simple,

Danny Blankenship (2012-05-14 02:58)

Good and slow well paced drama that doesn't have crashes or explosions, still it entertains only sadly ending in a tragedy that I didn't see coming.

George Clooney now maybe the biggest movie star in America is back in afilm rightfully titled "The American" and his role of Jack an Americanspy is uncommon as most of us always see George as mister nice guy or aromantic clearly here he's not. Still Clooney shows he has talents andthe strength to play an offbeat character and take on a dramatic rolelike this which sadly ends tragic.George is Jack an American spy and as the film begins in Sweden, herelocates to do another job when he receives word from his boss. Thistime the country is Italy, and you can see Jack is a lonely man who'shaunted by his life as it sometimes pains to kill others. The film ismoved along and paced well as his travels and the meetings of newpeople keeps you as a viewer interested, it's a bit of a feel goodbreak from all of the crashes and explosions that are so common withthis type of film genre.As Jack meets strange and other unusual spies for weapons trading andtalk, his most interesting new characters that he takes up with are areligious father named Benedetto(Paolo Bonacelli) who inspires somehope of faith. Yet more important and comforting is Jack's strike upwith a local brothel prostitute named Clara(Violante Placido)who's sohot with a slender sexy European body. The love making scenes betweenJack and Clara are so hot and steamy it really was a nice side treat tothe film as one sex scene is not typical of a common Clooney film.Along the way the hot passion and lust turns to feelings of love forJack making him a more complex man who's job and lifestyle is complex.Really "The American" entertains in a different paced way it was stillexciting as it was nice to get away from the explosions and crashes oftypical action spy films as the journey and erotic love making was abetter path to entertain someone with. This film gives a message ofit's important to always be responsible for your actions and alwaysstay a step ahead in the spy game. Sadly aside from all of theentertainment and well paced journey combined with the steamy eroticgames that lead to love, this film unfortunately ends in tragedy asdirector Anton Corbijn hide it well I as a viewer didn't see it coming.Really even though it was uncommon and dark work for Clooney his talentshowed and "The American" ranks as one of his better films.

(2012-05-13 12:50)

"The American:" well-crafted, but predictable

George Clooney plays an assassin/gunsmith who has "lost his edge," thereby making himself a target in this taut thriller. The director worked as a photographer for 35 years, therefore this film has beautiful vistas in Sweden and in a seldom-seen, arid region of Italy.Clooney's quiet, grim performance would be familiar to viewers who have seen him in films like "Michael Clayton." There's the rub; though the performances are subdued and pitch-perfect, the photography breathtaking, the plot turns are simply too predictable. We have been here before; as the director admits, this story is the old "gunfighter seeks redemption" bit. For example, the protagonist finds solace in the arms of a prostitute with a heart of gold. How many times have we seen this? It almost seems like the Eagles song "Desperado" is about to take over any moment.Though derivative, the film features dialogue which is crisp and understated. At every point, there are signs of craftsmanship which redeem the tired plotline.The pacing of this film is leisurely by modern standards; there are no "Terminator 2" style chases - thank Goodness - which has rankled many of the viewers whose reviews are shown here. It's clear that the director was inspired by thrillers of the late 60's and 1970's like "Day of the Jackal" and "Three Days of the Condor." Is "The American" equally good? No, but it is still better than most of its modern rivals.

(2012-05-13 01:52)

An Excuse for George Clooney to get a Paid Vacation In Italy

I watched this today on Netflix and when it was over I gave it.... One Star. I would have given it less if I could Have.Mike

(2012-05-12 13:07)

4,5 stars for a 5 star novel

Hey George CLOONEY HAS AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE; PLAY'NG A LONELY COWBOY. I watched that movie 2 times in two months already. Shall I watch one more time next month? Probably... Nobody should have problem watching that one. Especially those who is sick and tired one cast copy Hollywood movies...Enjoy!

Robert (2012-05-11 19:06)

Pointless and Painful to watch

Yes, the critics and art world groupies will say the average person is too stupid and dull to really know the quality of the movies they are watching. However, we are the ones buying the tickets. We buy them to be entertained. This movie sucked from beginning to end. It illustrated only one point and segment of a tortured life. LIFE SUCKS AND THEN YOU DIE. That was literally it. There was really no good part. We all kept waiting for it, but it just never happened. I am sure it was loved at Cannes or other foreign venues, but for regular movie-goers, it was one of the worst ever. You will notice there is no rating section for whether or not you actually enjoyed it. The rating system sucks too.

Oblomov (2012-05-11 08:33)

Mental torture

After sitting through this movie of which I had hoped it would beworthwhile: the trailer looked interesting; Clooney is always good;Corbijn, a former photographer, let loose in Italy; and the story of ahired killer on his last assignment, all this sounded good to me.However, the action is so slow that even I, as a European, had to stopmyself from shouting: "Get on with it." To stay positive: George Clooney again proves he is a very good actorand also a handful of shots can certainly be called pretty. That said,the story is thin, some events, like the backfiring rifle, areridiculous and out of sync with the rest of the movie; the dialog isoften plain boring. Now I understand that this is done on purpose. The director maybe wantsto show the loneliness and inability to communicate by portrayingsomeone who cannot speak about his actions as they are illegal or speakabout this with other criminals, whom he can't trust. After a whilethen something of a salvation is presented in the form of an unspokenlove for a prostitute, which is a cliché, I think, used to emphasizethe cheapness and predictability of life or is that perhaps his ownlife he's talking about. Therewith the movie becomes a demonstration ofthe intellectual poverty of the director himself. Apparently then, Corbijn, a fellow Dutchman, values his rather shallowand redundant philosophical analysis more highly than the level ofsatisfaction for his audience. Would he care about that? This is not soobvious as he is part of that cultural elite that still seems to beliving in the previous century. And that is exactly where this moviebelongs: it would have been great in 1978.I have decided to give the movie three stars: one for George Clooney,one for a half dozen nice shots and one for the breasts of the Italianactress who's name I can't remember.

(2012-05-09 15:32)

Slow and Boring

I don't understand why did George Clooney accepted this role!!! The events in this movie move so slowly; I actually fell asleep in the middle of it. What is the point of this film? I don't get it. The plot is very weak, and shows lack of technical knowledge of the weapons used. I expected a film with this caliber of star and director to be better written. The only good thing about this film is the cinematography, which showcases the beauty of the Italian country side and it's old tiny villages. Add to that the constant extreme close up of George Clooney's face and his naked behind (who by the way looks very old in it). Finally, what is the point of all the nudity and sex scenes? does it add to the story besides trying to proof that Mr Clooney is still a sex symbol and can get any European Beauty to bed!! I am very disappointed with the steady stream of bad, hastily made Hollywood movies.

(2012-05-09 06:46)

Not What You Would Expect

"The American" is certainly not what you would expect from the previews/trailers for the movie. They give the impression that the movie is supposed to be action packed, thrilling and suspenseful, however, the movie falls short in all three of these categories. The movie centers around George Clooney's character, an assassin who obviously is conflicted about what he is doing and so is getting out of the business with "one last job". The actual job and the slight twist accompanying it are revealed at the end of the movie and are somewhat of a letdown. However, he lowest low of the movie was the music selection, which tended to make even the most exciting scenes less so, such as in the case of the single car chase that takes place within the movie. The tempo and feeling of the music just seemed to be off in any scene that contained the slightest bit of action/adventure, counteracting anything exciting going on on the screen. Finally, the most redeeming quality of this movie, I think, are the scenes featuring Clooney and his love interest, a prostitute who he has started to feel for. After the initial few sex scenes, their relationship becomes more intense and consequently more interesting as his suspicion of her motives grows. All in all, "The American" is not at all the Jason Bourne-esque picture that it is advertised to be so if you are looking for a movie with some action, I would suggest skipping this film.

alkaly (2012-05-09 01:47)

IMDb is not to be trusted any more - high ratting for an awful movie

So many high votes, so many "brilliant" reviews...pff...have you seenother movies before? ever?You made me waste almost 40 minutes of my life with this garbage, socalled "action" movie.I can't trust IMDb anymore, the "comunity" is giving votes while oncrack apparently. It's not the first crap movie with tones of goodvotes...I understand opinions differ but over 12k votes should be consistent...apparently not. Keep up the good work!To summarise the movie in short : a waste of time. Watch it but checkthe teleshopping channel too, might be more fun.

spamobile (2012-05-08 05:19)

Good story, bit predictable though

The story line sounds like a good thriller. It has all the potential ofa good thriller, but, while you're watching you miss something. Firstlythe story is a bit predictable, there is only one element which remainsa bit of a mystery till the end but even that is not deeply mysterious.There are moments where our professional killer is in real action butthat action just looks a bit too acting, you expect more of aprofessional killer. Love the fact the story is set in Europe. It givesit a positive edge, a foreign edge, it helps with the tone setting ofthe story. No flashy fast cars, simple ordinary day to day cars areused. No high speed chases, normal driving. What makes the whole moviea bit disappointing is the lack of music and conversation, it's toosilent, you depend too much on guessing what the main character isthinking and as you need to understand that the movie becomes ittherefore becomes a bit predictable.

lewiskendell (2012-05-08 01:47)

Maybe not what you're expecting, but still a good movie.

"And above all, don't make any friends, Jack. You used to know that."First, a warning. The American is an atypical spy-thriller. If you'rewanting to check out an adrenaline-fueled action film, you should checkout Salt. The American is a slow- burner, and more of a character studythan anything else. The main character Jack is an assassin and weapons maker who at hisheart, is a lonely man. His last engagement was marred by an incidentwhere he had to kill the woman he was involved with, and he's forced tomove on to a small town in Italy where he's given another assignmentand told to wait. But he finds himself drawn again to another woman,and that complication may turn his employer against him.Clooney gives a great understated performance as the quiet, complexJack, and he's joined by a pair of excellent, beautiful female leads inViolante Placido and Thekla Reuten. Their beauty is matched by thebeauty of the small Italian towns and countryside where the majority ofthe movie takes place. The sedate pace of the film gives you time toabsorb the mood of the setting, as well as understand the effect it hason Jack. The American will definitely not appeal to everyone. There are two orthree effective action scenes, but at no point is that kind of thingthe focus of the movie. Imagine the tone of The Assassination of JesseJames by the Coward Robert Ford, and you won't be far off the mark.

(2012-05-07 13:29)

Bad marketing/Evocative movie

The American' is a quietly powerful story and badly marketed by Focus Features. This is a slow burn character study that is ultimately very close to a remake of Jean-Pierre Melville's film 'Le Samourai'.Director Anton Corbijn and scribe Rowan Joffe have taken Martin Booth's novel and crafted a real masterpiece here. George Clooney gives a top 5 performance as an assassin with a moral crisis of sorts, and those who stick with this film are rewarded. BUT: It's definitely not for everyone. Those who are game for it are likely to become big fans. The film likely won't do much damage in the Oscar race, but that doesn't mean it isn't deserving of attention, because it definitely is. Jack (Clooney) is an assassin hiding out in a small Italian village. While there, he's supposed to keep a low profile and just wait for his next assignment. According to his boss (Johan Leysen) it's supposed to be simple, he'll just be making a custom rifle for another assassin (Thekla Reuten), not evening firing it. His lack of connection to the world gets to him however, and he soon finds himself seeing a local prostitute (Violante Placido) and befriending the town's priest (Paolo Bonacelli). Occasionally, someone will try to kill Jack, but that's almost beside the point in this film. The focus is far more on the potential romance with the prostitute and the possibly redemption of Jack's soul.George Clooney is excellent here, taking risks again as an actor and stripped of all of his charm. He's rarely been better than he is here. The film lives and dies by his performance, and he's more than up to the challenge. The movie would suffer if a lesser actor was in the role. He's supported by an almost exclusively foreign cast, and they accent Clooney well, while not stealing the spotlight. Leysen is mostly seen talking to Clooney on the phone, but he's suitably menacing. Reuten comes off as both sexy and deadly, which is essentially for her scenes with Clooney. As for his two non-violent companions, his chemistry with Placido is very strong (and sexual...she's not afraid of nudity in the least), while it's more of a father-son thing with Bonacelli. No one here is bad, but it's the Clooney show through and through in this flick. Corbijn is a visual stylist while not being flashy, in the vein of the directors of the 1970's. Here he lingers on shots of Italy, making the village almost a character unto itself. Some might fault his extraordinarily slow pacing, but I found it more deliberate than "slow", per say. The script by Joffe is good, but wouldn't be what it is without Corbijn directing it and Clooney acting in it. Of the three major players, Corbijn is most deserving of awards attention, but ironically is the least likely to receive it. On the Oscar front, the film is good enough to be mentioned in the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography fronts, but if any will happen, it'll be Cinematography of Martin Ruhe getting recognized. The flick is just too "indie" for a mainstream release (creating a lot of disgruntled viewers, like the one below) AND rated R for nudity, so it'll divide audiences and voters rather than uniting them. That's not a recipe for success, but it takes nothing away from the quality of the movie. 'The American' is one of the better releases of 2010. It won't satisfy those looking for a shoot-em-up, clean cut storytelling, or a neat denouement, but if you're in the mood for something different, this is a real treat.

(2012-05-05 20:32)

wish i could give it NO stars

total wast of time. just dont watch it. i got more mad as it went on. after it was over i thought just resell it but i dont want to do that to the next person !!!!!!!!

(2012-05-04 23:16)

Life Is Too Short ....................

This review is from: The American (Amazon Instant Video) Life is too short to have to sit through this hugely disappointing film. Clooney is Clooney but the film is a total bore.

icegeena (2012-05-02 23:54)

Tries to be intellectual, succeeds in being tedious

This is a Slow moving film (with a capital S) so I expected goodcharacter development, good dialogue and good acting. I wasdisappointed on all counts.This film is neither arty nor intellectual, merely an attempt at bothwhich fails.I can understand why reviews are split on this one. The slow pace ofthe film is so different to the normal Hollywood offerings we get thatyou think (at first) that you have discovered a gem, but theneverything begins to fall apart.There is no real definition to Clooney's character. He is brooding andisolated but we never find out about his past, so we have no real ideahow he ended up in a small Italian village on his own. He playsbrooding well, not once do you see the usual Clooney eye sparkle, buthere's the thing - it is tedious watching a character display the sameemotion for an hour and a half.A large amount of the film centres on Clooney making a gun for anotherassassin, but it feels like this is just filling up the running time,clocking up more and more minutes. The assassin who requires the gun isinsipid. You get no feeling at all as to the type of person she is. Shehas just stumbled onto set and asked Clooney to make a gun for her.He falls in love after sleeping with Placido a couple of times andhaving a couple of dates with her. There isn't much dialogue in thefilm but the dialogue between these 2 characters is so insignificantthat you can not believe in any way, shape or form that they have trulyfallen in love.Then there's a priest who Clooney talks to from time to time. Aha youthink, Clooney will open up to him and we will get an idea of the depthof his character. Well no, Clooney says nothing of significance to him.The attempt on Clooney's life halfway through the film was just odd. Itwas all over in minutes and there was no drama and even worse, no realexplanation for it, leaving the viewer with the feeling that it wasjust thrown in there.The ending was so obvious that I am not even going to waste my timecommenting on it.In summary - none of the characters are sufficiently developed toelicit any emotion from the viewer. You don't particularly feel anyempathy, sympathy love or hate. The plot has been poorly thought out tosay the least and you end up feeling sorely disappointed at the wholething.

DC (2012-05-02 09:10)

pulling out my finger nails would have been better

the movie was about a person (George Clooney) who is a gun maker. someone tries to kill him. Don't know who or why. Goes to Rome to make a one final gun before he quits (whatever he has done). Meets a prostitue. they fall in love. The person he made the gun for tries to kill him with that gun. Gun explodes and kills the gunner. George kills his boss (???), but gets shot himself... Drives to a location where he and his prostitue girl agree to meet. George dies as he pulls up... Oh forgot... George befriends a priest for god knows what reason. The end.... aside from a chase and a killing that is about it.... I would rather see eat love pray over and over till my eyes bleed.... I just wish I had a gun so I could have turned it on myself....