American Star: Is It Worth the Ride?
Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Writer: Nacho Faerna (Screenplay)
Cast
- Ian McShane (John Wick Franchise)
- Thomas Kretschmann (Last Sentinel)
- Nora Arnezeder (Army of the Dead)
- Adam Nagaitis (The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon)
- Fanny Ardant (Elizabeth)
Plot: An assassin on a final assignment in Fuerteventura, to kill a man he has never met. When his target is delayed, he finds himself drawn to the island, people and a ghostly shipwreck.
Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: American Star starts when assassin Wilson (McShane) looks to complete one final job. He heads to Fuerteventura and finds himself needing to spend time on the island waiting for his assignment. Wilson decides to explore the island, but an unwanted visit from Ryan (Nagaitis) causes tension.
Elsewhere, Wilson meets a local Gloria (Arnezeder) who shows him more of the island and their friendship fills him with more stories. However, his assignment date starts to catch up on him, forcing Wilson into a decision he isn’t prepared for anymore.
Verdict on American Star
American Star is a crime thriller following an ageing assassin set on a final job on a remote island. However, he finds himself getting to know the locals and ends up questioning whether to go through with the job. Even though, a colleague makes things more difficult.
This is a lovely-paced movie following the lonely life of an assassin. It shows how they get to know an area before completing a job while seeing life differently. This helps the movie hold back from the violence we are used to seeing in assassin movies. All while letting Ian McShane shine as the quiet, friendly, and welcoming performance. The scenery is used to make us feel like we are part of the beautiful island and escaping the busy lives around us. This all feels like a welcome detour from the typical assassin-fueled violent movies we have become accustomed to.
Where to Watch
American Star will be in UK Cinemas from 23rd February
Final Thoughts – American Star is a beautifully paced journey of discovery.
