Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

       

One of the best espionage/counterterrorism authors in the world, the late Vince Flynn sold the movie rights to his American Assassin before he was attacked by cancer – if my memory serves me correctly. If not before, shortly after. It was his first prequel in the wonderful Mitch Rapp series and told the history of this covert assassin/operator. Considering this background, why on earth would Hollywood decide it would be a great idea to rewrite that history of Mitch Rapp and cast Dylan O'Brien to play him? Mitch Rapp was tall, dark, and handsome, a star athlete at his university, with a mom and brother. If you've had the pleasure – and privilege really – of reading the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn and now admirably continued by Kyle Mills, you might resent the changes. Quite frankly, I do. And so do many others who commented on Vince Flynn's website after viewing the trailer. You don't mess with the best. But apparently Hollywood thinks it's okay to slaughter significant details.

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I should take the "wait and see" approach which I might have done if the powers that be making this film had at least stuck to the basics in recreating this novel. Now I'm already disappointed and will be viewing it with a decided and broad "chip on my shoulder" to its debut on September 15th, 2017 – and I won't be alone. It's really an insult to Vince Flynn devotees everywhere, and I don't know if the rest of the movie can make up for the false premise. #angry

Having written this, perhaps my heart can (and should probably) soften after reading this latest post by Vince's wife, Lisa:

http://www.vinceflynn.com/news.html#qv?utm_source=April+2017+VF.com&utm_campaign=apr-2017-email&utm_medium=email

 

Father, thank you for the brilliance of Vince Flynn. We miss him, Lord. Please continue to take care of and bless his family. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.        

 

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3 responses to “Unexpected, unnecessary, and unfortunate changes . . .”

  1. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar

    Technical glitches did away with our comments, Brenda. I apologize. You’re right about movies not being good representatives of the books. There was so much to work with in this novel, but to change the year, Mitch’s history, and the basics? Nope, don’t get it.

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  2. Brenda S. Anderson Avatar

    I’m in the wait-and-see mode. Typical Hollywood to take a book and change it so the only recognizable thing is the title. I like Keaton for Hurley. Irene being black doesn’t bother so much, and I know nothing about O’Brien. The big problem with his casting for me would be blending in middle Eastern countries as Rapp did.
    I’ll go see it, but like you, I’ll watch it with a very skeptical eye.

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  3. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar

    I don’t have a problem with Irene Kennedy being black either, but I do have a problem with Sanna’s usual character portrayals of aggressive tough women. Irene Kennedy seemed to be a petite, passive-aggressive with complete control type who could out-maneuver politicians with her subtleties and brilliance and faux diplomacy. The blending in is a good point, too, Bren, but this actor looks like a kid first off. Rapp never struck me as looking like a kid. Even as a young man, he was “full grown” in these stories. And I agree: Michael Keaton as Hurley is the best cast character in the film. We shall see.

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