Who doesn't like George Clooney?! He's gorgeous, brilliant, generous, yet, amazingly, he manages to seem like a regular guy. And, I forget over and over that this regular guy can actually act.

 

In his newest film, Clooney shares the screen with some very talented non-American actors and some gorgeous Italian scenery as he plays "The American," a mysterious character whose occupation can get him killed in this slow-burning thriller. He's constantly wary, maybe paranoid, and unwilling to get close to other people. But sometimes people get close whether you want them to or not, and Clooney's character falls for a gorgeous prostitute, shares confidences with a mild-mannered priest, and

does business with one very cool customer.

 

This film has the slow pace that's more common to European films, and I must confess to getting antsy a few times, hoping things might speed up a tiny bit. But the acting is superb and the ending was a surprise. Is this my favorite film of the year? No. It is better than a lot of the mindless junk I've seen this summer? Yes. And, just to be reminded of Clooney's talent is worth something, right? Plus, for those so inclined, you will get to see a LOT of the beautiful actress Violante Placido. Enjoy!