Into the Fire

Here's what I think: American Assassin by the late inimitable Vince Flynn deserves to have its incredible story followed to the letter. Here's what isn't happening with the movie American Assassin: following the bestselling novel with much accuracy to the story. Having said that, it looks like it's going to be a decent thriller to watch but will probably disappoint diehard Vince Flynn/Mitch Rapp fans such as myself if we can't wrap our heads around the casting of Mitch and Irene (his CIA handler). And I can't.

This isn't to say that neither of those actors aren't qualified and talented. It is to say that neither of them even remotely fit my impression of Mitch Rapp or Irene. And I'm not alone in my perceptions. If you read the commentary of those Flynn fans who've seen the trailers, there's a lot of disappointment. A lot. We loved the original story and premise of each book in the series, and this script flies in the face of an excellent story and somehow arrives at the conclusion that they could make it "better", "more contemporary", or who knows what they were thinking when they wrote the script and cast the roles? Clearly, they had no compulsion to stick to the storyline.

I will go to see it. I will pay my money to see it. I will view it as a thriller. I doubt very seriously I will exit the theatre with the feeling that I've just watched a film rendition of Vince Flynn's first prequel American Assassin in the amazing Mitch Rapp series. And that's a shame. 

Father, we are grateful to you for every creative inspiration we own. Thank you for Vince Flynn's devotion to his family, to his work, to his patriotism, and most of all for his love for you. He is missed, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.