Beauty, Betrayal, and Character

American Star (2024) – An aging assassin goes to the Canary Islands to complete his final assignment. When the hit is delayed, he is distracted by the combination of family, attraction and betrayal.

Directed by Gonzalez Lopez-Gallego

Starring Ian McShane, Nora Arnezeder, Oscar Coleman, Andres Gertrudix, Thomas Kretschmann

Why I Like It – An intense slow-burn of a character driven movie.

Ian McShane has been a favorite since I stumbled across him as Lovejoy, way back when. I’m not sure I remember any role where his character was a straight up “good guy”. There’s always more than just a hint of the con man. He can make those characters lovable, and he can also create a full on “bad guy” that will make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. His character here, Wilson, is more than a little over the line towards the bad guys. He’s a cool, seasoned hired killer. It’s a business for him, but one he is ready to leave behind. Wilson isn’t sure what comes next, but it’s time to move on.

The setting for his final hit is the gorgeous island Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. (In case you, like me, aren’t sure about where the Canaries are, it’s just off the western edge of Africa, near the border of Morocco and Western Sahara. It’s a part of Spain). It’s an island paradise of palms, white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. On one of the beaches is a derelict cruise ship named the “American Star”. It ran aground there during towing to a scrapyard. Wilson is drawn to the symbol of a vital life that has faded in its final days. He returns to the ship several times during his stay.

That stay runs longer than the original plan. Mistakes are made by the people he works for that result in a mess that he must clean up. The delay leaves him with time on his hands. He doesn’t intend to play the tourist, but is drawn into the lives that surround him. A pretty barmaid and her worldly mother. A small boy trying to avoid the disruption of his parents’ marriage. A sidewalk hustler trying to make his way through a difficult world.

If you’re looking for Jason Bourne style action, you can stop right here. There’s almost none. This movie is about the characters, most especially about McShane’s Wilson. He’s old, he’s tired, and he knows he’s thrown away every chance he’s ever had to be anything other than the killer he is. The movie is a slow burning story about Wilson coming to grips with his past, his present and his future. McShane is brilliant, with each facet of the story given the polish needed to shine.

Make the investment in a brilliant, intelligent movie about life and the choices we make.

You can stream “American Star” on AMC+, Hulu, YouTube, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Sling, YouTube TV, Google Play, Apple TV, Philo, and Fandango.

Rating – **** Recommended