(Video) 'The American' Reviews: Restrained, Cerebral, According to Critics

"The American" reviews are in! At the time of this writing, the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer (it measures the percentage of positive reviews from approved critics for a certain movie) stands at 60%. The consensus reads as follows: "As beautifully shot as it is emotionally restrained, The American is an unusually divisive spy thriller -- and one that rests on an unusually subdued performance from George Clooney."

James Berardinelli, who is the world's greatest online movie critic, has this to say about the flick: "Slow-burn, cerebral thriller about a hired assassin scratching his way toward redemption." He gives it 3 out of 4 stars.

Synopsis

Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller. As an assassin, Jack (played by Mr. Clooney) is constantly on the move and always alone. After a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from death for a spell as he holes up in a small medieval town. While there, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten). Savoring the peaceful quietude he finds in the mountains of Abruzzo, Jack accepts the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues a torrid liaison with a beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara's time together evolves into a romance, one seemingly free of danger. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.--© Focus

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