He’s such a creep. How can any girl (except Oskana) date him?

As goes on September 1, 2010 at 4:53 pm

The best way to irritate Georgie Boy is to only refer to him as “Rosemary Cloney’s idiot nephew, George.”

100 proof American on September 1, 2010 at 4:57 pm

LOL. The idiot fraud known as Clueless Looney.

How women can respect this rancid trail of latrine slime is beyond me. I love to watch the ladies *THINK* they’ll be the one to make him wanna get married when the letch has openly proclaimed he will not get married. For the stupid ones that means HE DOES NOT RESPECT WOMEN. He uses them as pin cushions, that’s all.

And in true form, this Liberal letch is the exact opposite of the image he promotes. Only a Liberal could get away with such abject hypocrisy.

It is not sexy to go from skank to skank and then discard them like a used tissue (as Chrissy “hissy fit” Matthews does when waxing poetic about Capt. Zero). He’s a male slag.

I never feel sorry for the broads he discards, too. It’s all out there what Capt. Zero is and it’s all out there what this hose-bag is all about. Disgrazia!

Skunky on September 1, 2010 at 5:17 pm

Thanks for that review. Another movie I’ll be sure to miss.

Bill on September 1, 2010 at 5:39 pm

From your description, it reminds me of the Euro-Trash pictures that were churned out by Italy in the 60’s(Operation Beirut, etc.) Also, your comment about Clooney’s character lecturing a priest about possibly fathering an illegitimate child is right on the mark. Also, it is rather curious that a more contemporary theme was not addressed, such as Moslem involvement in organized crime, which at least in the U.K. is driving out the more traditional hative thugs.

Worry01 on September 1, 2010 at 5:53 pm

In the previews I expected Looney to turn to someone and shout “Do I look like I’m negotiating!?” as he did in Michael Clayton or some other dribble.

I got a laugh out of that one.

Oscar on September 1, 2010 at 5:54 pm

Deb, I am confused about some of your posts. You are a Jew so why do you appear to be offended by a seemingly anti-Christian film or product?

LC: Because I respect Christians and their religious observances, and I view attacks on them as attacks on me. As long as America remains a strongly Christian nation, Jews will be comfortable here. In Europe, Christianity is weak and near death, and that is why Islam is so successful there. DS

LaTonio Carter on September 1, 2010 at 6:57 pm

I would love to see this as I’m a fan of Clooney. Good thing he’s an excellent actor, as his looks are deteriorating. He’s no longer one of the most handsome men in show biz. His look-a-like, Taylor Hicks, is far more attractive

MirandaK on September 1, 2010 at 8:14 pm

Debbie, what do you mean Christianity is dead in Europe? How can you make such a blanket statement?

Examples// Catholicism(sp?) is very much alive in Italy! They live and die by their religion and the Pope.
In Russia, my pastor volunteers for 2 months there every summer. There masses are 2+ hrs long ever week, plus holidays. It’s still very important there.

Lee in IL on September 2, 2010 at 12:16 am

His best work was in Roseanne as Booker.

Ken Blazek on September 2, 2010 at 9:11 am

How do you figure that he’s a good actor? He plays the same monotone, dullard character in *every* role he’s ever played. His “wry” smile, the mildly quizical raised eyebrow or the flat, blank-expressioned “serious” George is his entire range.

100 proof American on September 2, 2010 at 9:59 am

“I love it how Hollywood liberals find a way to show us that a murderous hitman who has sex with prostitutes is the moral superior of a kindly priest who might have made a mistake way back when.”

Amen! Hollywood liberalism is such a weird thing.

I’ve never understood the appeal of Clooney. He’s a very savvy marketer of himself, though.

As a Christian, I appreciate your remarks, Debbie. Of course our beliefs differ, but I respect Judaism very much, too, as do most conservative Christians I am aware of.

Jeff_W on September 2, 2010 at 10:49 am

Sorry, worry1, I thought you were replying to Debbie, and not MirandaK. You do make good sense.

texag57 on September 2, 2010 at 11:47 am

Won’t see the film(if, at all) till it comes out on video, but was wondering if the politically correct “brunettes”–heaven (or Saul Alinsky or Susan Brownmiller) forbid that our “bad” boy Clooney be as shallow as to bed a “blond”–are late into their 5th decade like Clooney, or many years younger. Clooney: Ageist #%@*!

Curtin-Dobbs on September 2, 2010 at 2:05 pm

I ask one thing of this movie given the trailers and that is this:

That ‘The American’ hitman, so prominently pictured with pistol and rifle, routinely and casually and effectively hit what he aims at.

luagha on September 2, 2010 at 3:09 pm

Predictable 4* from shill ebert.

cyrix on September 3, 2010 at 1:51 pm

So I go looking for a movie review and instead get bombarded by your nutty right wing rant, thanks so much. Look Mensa, the special forces tat on his arm is called back story, as far as the priest thing well at least he wasn’t raping boys! Stop bashing Islam please, their fairytale story is no worse than yours or the the tons of idiot American Christians who do not practice what they preach. George has a progressive thought out progressive political view which I know offends your narrow minded, sexually repressed, uncultured red state point of view, but get over it. Oh and FYI those Christians only like your Jewish people because they believe that the fall of Isreal and death of the Jews is the key to their salvation makes me wonder who is the bigger idiot them or you?

Taylor on September 5, 2010 at 10:21 am

As a Christian and fan of many genres of movies, music, and art, I can honestly weigh in on the latest Clooney movie “The American” and perhaps provide a more balanced view than the author of this blog. Let’s keep politics out of this – her use of “far-left” is a clear indication that this is a difficult thing for our author to do.

First, this is designed to be a minimalist movie if you consider the studio (Focus Features), the director Anton Corbjn, and the cast of all European no-name actors, all of whom more than held their own.

Clooney is an assassin who is in exile in Italy after a job in Sweden went bad. He is not a good person nor a Godly one and this a critical part of the overall message of the movie. Clooney is living in a personal Hell that he is unwilling or unable to escape. Like the mafia, “getting out” of the business is not an easy thing not a particularly democratic process. As we find out, he ultimately has no say in the matter even though he thinks his last job has been completed.

He befriends two people throughout the movie – a priest and a prostitute. The priest tries to sway this dark figure to the Lord but fails due to Clooney’s unwavering commitment to his path, one that he loathes but accepts as he says “I don’t think God is particularly interested in me”.

Our author of this blog makes readers believe that George is promoting an “anti-Chrsitian” message which is an obvious error on her part as – SPOILER ALERT – his character clearly does NOT come out on the winning side of this one! In fact, the message is clear, it doesn’t pay to live on the wrong side of God. Our priest character is an admittedly flawed person, who all but admits to bearing a child while a man of the cloth, however, he maintains a sense of peace with God and has reconciled his past with Him. The message has, in my view, a very pro-Christian sentiment as our lead character tries to pursue love and freedom based on his own values and sinner’s path and ultimately fails miserably and tragically at the end. Crime doesn’t pay in this tale. Sorry, it’s not your typical Hollywood movie that suspends disbelief and always has even the baddest guy achieve his goals. Still a very good movie that I would highly recommend for it’s simplicity, minimalism, beautiful scenery, and spot-on characterizations of atypical Hollywood characters.

Gregg on September 5, 2010 at 11:44 am

Great post Gregg, right on the mark. As for the rest of you people and the owner of this site unclench that pucker hole of yours, no one is trying to get you, neither Clooney nor the rest of the world. Go see this movie and enjoy being entertained for an hour an a half- you may like it or not- make up your own mind.

Mr. Nil on September 5, 2010 at 2:30 pm

Clooney, like many on the left like America cause it gives them a free-forum to bash Americans, whom they despise for not acting more like the high-culture Euro’s the left aspires to be liked by.

This film sounds more like a Lifestyles of American Hitmen than a ‘thriller.

P. Aaron on September 6, 2010 at 1:30 pm

I hated this film, and found myself falling asleep a few times. That said, I did not notice any anti-Christian sentiment. I think the priest is meant to be a good, but flawed, person.

This movie is a real snoozer. They advertise it as a thriller, not as an artsy indie movie. It is certainly not a thriller.

S on September 6, 2010 at 1:46 pm

So, Debbie, I take it you did not enjoy the movie.

john tally on September 7, 2010 at 11:27 pm

A review that speaks more of the reviewer than the movie being reviewed. Yes the movie has plot holes (most do). Yes the movie was slow (on purpose), it’s not a James Bond action flick. A reference to human failings is not always shot at the church. What is your favorite movie; “Passion of the Christ”?

Angry Bob on September 9, 2010 at 4:34 pm

The author of this review completely missed the idea behind the movie. It’s not a movie about naked European ladies its about the beauty in the world that America misses due to the violence that is going on. Clooney represents the violence in a world filled with beauty, and while he appreciates it, he can’t live peacefully in it because of the path he has chosen. The author of this review should not be allowed to write movie reviews as he or she clearly does not know how to view a film.

Roy on September 11, 2010 at 5:57 pm

Great post gregg. And great review. Too bad most people on this forum won’t be able to open their hate-filled eyes and appreciate a craftful movie.
Yes, sadly… Just keep telling yourselves kind forumers: America is number one. In incarcerating its citizens, defense spending and lately starting wars. Oh and godliness.

So, as holden caulfield said: Sleep tight you…..

Teoma on November 20, 2010 at 11:39 pm

Very good review Gregg,
I couldn’t disagree more with Debbie’s take on this film–In fact it couldn’t be any less accurate or further from the truth. The film was done in a uniquely non-Hollywood way in its slow pacing, non-Hollywood characters, and sparing dialogue. This movie was very enjoyable on a number of levels; It was a treat to watch the portrayal of a man who transforms into a sensitive human being from a cold-blooded killer. The natural beauty of the country side and women was a necessary vehicle allowing Clooney to become a real person and to develop a genuine connection with someone. The allusions to Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns of the Italian country-side as well as to James Bond films were refreshing and unusually interesting. For example, I was especially reminded of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in which Clint Eastwood explores deserted villages in Mexico of the Wild West–In this way, the deserted Italian town stood as a ghostly character in stark contrast with the characters of the movie as well as with the circumstances that bring them together. This deserted town and its traditional Christian villagers reminded me of a medieval town of the middle ages like in the movie The Name of the Rose. In that movie, human failings including prostitution and murder stood in contrast with the purity of the Christian values the priests were promulgating.

At the same time, this movie used many conventions of Hollywood thrillers of the past, not the least of which were the camera angles and camera work in general to capture the chase scenes in the streets of the town.

Mike Oxbig on January 16, 2011 at 2:25 pm

Fuck you you shrill right wing bitch. Go hug your friends who trying to redefine what rape is.

gofuckyourselfdebbie on February 6, 2011 at 1:25 am

I was sick after reading that dribble until I read the above. Bless you pissed off American lover. George is one of the few living legends we have and he makes it look easy. Only a woman would misconstrue his private life with his acting. What next, is a hitman?
George if you’re out there, make as much as you can, live your life any way you want, it’s your life.
ps: if you need a sidekick, look me up.

Ditto Debbie Hater on February 13, 2011 at 1:20 am

If Clooney had an “R” after his name, you wouldn’t be writing the same review and you know it.

Vince in WeHo on February 19, 2011 at 4:36 am

I just watched this flick as a rental from Netflix. I’m no George Clooney fan and one reason besides the fact he can’t act, is that he made his fame depicting people just exactly the opposite of what he really is. For instance he plays an SF Officer in one movie where he is helping a woman find a dirty bomb. He kicks ass to find answers because thousands of lives are at stake, in real life he supports the muslim who attempted to plant three of those same type of bombs in the U.S. (D.C. and N.Y.). Although he plays “real” men, he doesn’t do it very well. Just like Martin Sheen in Apocolypse Now, every time he holds a gun he has his trigger finger so far through the trigger guard to be laughable only because they’re not using real bullets. As far as the movie was concerned I wanted to find out what book it might have been modeled after but so far nothing. As far as the hookers, even Charles Bronson in the Mechanic had to stick with chicas-prepago because the job doesn’t allow close relationships. Women compromise you plain and simple. I kept looking for the tattoo online also. It looks like an SF tattoo from the dagger and arrows and latin caption (main reason I was looking for a book as an origin). Somebody referenced Bankok Dangerous, and just like this movie, Hollywood blows the cover of “hero-hitman” so many times with his out of place dress and action. Would anybody really not notice Nicolas Cage’s dyed black hair and Johnny Cash outfits or Cloony’s tan in Sveden?

I also liked how Clooney was able to take some excess pipes and car parts and make the suppresser he did. You can make a short-lived improvised suppresser with the parts he started out with but his turned out to be some machined, chromed inside, powder coated number on the outside work of perfection. Pretty difficult to do with a ballpeen hammer and makita drill. No realism in this movie but because he doesn’t have too many lines I guess Clooney did one of his best jobs as an actor. For you leftist commie bitches out there who love him for his polticial views, since you listen to him about what’s going on in the middle east because he made two movies about America’s greed for oil, why not let him take your appendix out or perform an abortion on you since he played a doctor on television longer in ER? Don’t be afraid to put your organs where you mouth is (I’m not talking about NAMBLA now so don’t get excited). How bright can Clooney really be if he admits he had to show Obama how to “appear thoughtful and wise” by stroking his chin. As for me, who was trained to think critically, I would never trust nuclear weapons in the hands of a “Hawaian” who can barely swim, not surf and has a Connecticut SSN that I had to show how to “appear” smart.

John Trujillo on April 10, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Your analysis and review of this film are so far off I can barely comment on it. The movie is by far not anti-Christian. By using this in the article’s headline indicates that you either didn’t watch the movie or you have no idea what you are talking about. The scene in the garden with the priest is the most important scene in the movie. The backstory of the the Priest’s illegitimate son gives him more power to combat Clooney’s remarks that he is a sinner. As the priest so poignantly says the the American cannot doubt the existence of hell since he lives it everyday. Hell is a place where there is no love. The Priest then goes on to say that he may not be worthy to wear his priestly robes but he knows love, the love that a father shares for a son (This brings into mind the relationship that Christians have with God -God being a father figure and we are His children.) What does the American have in his life? The answer: nothing. It is this conversation that sparks a change in the American and the next scene is of him telling his employer he is finished.

Oh and the movies goes out of its way to show the “Special Forces” tattoo on his arm because it is the only piece of his past that is given to the viewers and helps explain why he is so good at what he does and how he got into the hitman business to begin with.

Ms. Schlussel, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

SomeRandomGuy on October 4, 2011 at 9:47 pm

First off, as somebody who has served as a United States Army Ranger, and as an Army Special Forces Operative I will tell you the tattoo is indeed backstory as some one else mentioned. He’s obviously being marketed as someone from SAD…CIA’s Special Activities Division. SAD triggermen only come from 3 places…Special Forces, Navy Seals/DEVGRU, and Delta. It also helps explain his behavior…which isn’t so gung ho and more patient and thinking. A SEAL would’ve killed the guy tailing them as soon as they noticed it. Somebody from a Special Forces background would’ve taken the fight where they wanted it, just as he did. The director was brilliant in that piece of research (or incredibly lucky). The American gives you a look at what it’s really like to be an operator of clandestine missions. Lonely, boring, and dangerous. As far as your personal views…if you think him taking a jab at the priest over having a son is showing us a whoremonger is above a priest I’d say you’re reading too hard into this movie. He’s simply saying “Yeah I do wrong but, I’m a professional killer…you on the other hand are a priest, society expects different things from you than I”…if anything it was to show that the priest is but a man as well and that we all do varying degrees of wrong, but that we can change our ways and becomes a pleasant and compassionate person if we choose, just as the jolly overweight priest has become. Also, the fact you feel attacked by liberals via a movie enough to post a rant online is kind of…well…psychopathic. Narcissistic in the fact you think it’s directed at you and fellow minded people, and that you put it down, and that you believe in your mind that you are 100% right and can do no wrong. As a Jew, I can understand you having your little thing with Muslims…they aren’t my favorite people either…even though that proves I am less enlightened than I should and could be. But just remember one thing…to a right wing, white, American Christian…you’re still a Jew and your muddy raced Middle Eastern founders of Judaism are the ones who killed Jesus…the people you’re claiming kinship with are the ones who killed your brothers in faith in the deep south when they helped fight for civil rights, they’re also the ones who even still won’t let you into their country clubs in NY unless you’re a professional Tennis or Golf player or work there. I doubt you’ll read this…since the movie has come and gone. But if you do, you need to ask yourself some serious questions and accept the truthful answers. Being conservative in belief is fine, but if you start thinking you’re the same as the rest of the conservative, white, Christian Americans don’t be surprised when you suddenly become “colored” like the Bernie Madoffs, and OJ Simpsons before you.

Curtis on November 23, 2011 at 3:12 am

Personally, I thought the Catholic priest comes off as one of the movie’s goo guys. But I guess if I was determined to hate something because of my political differences with the lead actor, I would say the Gil trashed Christians too.

Rick on December 20, 2011 at 1:18 am

WOW! I am astounded by your (Debbie Schlussel)description of Clooney, not as The American, but as a person. Which just shows what a trash heap the internet can be. When anyone can claim to be a movie critic, and proceed to bash those actors she doesn’t like personally, and gushes over those she finds “hunky” and only those she doesn’t like are referred to as far-left multi-millionaires. And singling out Clooney as “The guy has little to do with most Americans, little in common with them.And the same goes for his character” What the fuck? Show me a single Successful Hollywood actor that has anything in common with the average American, and I’ll show you a fraud. STICK TO POLITICS YOU HORRIFICALLY RADICAL RIGHT SKANK! You are an embarrassment to women the way it is, so please keep your personal opinions of actor’s political leanings to your horrifyingly radical right talk show.

Barblahblah on March 16, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Nice “Hate” article! It’s a terrible thing when someone goes and sees a movie, yet doesn’t seem to understand what they are seeing. Even worse, is when they decide to write about it. I’m sure George doesn’t care what you think anyway, especially if he was to realize the source of this diatribe. Maybe you should try comedy writing, or study your religion before opening that gapping, hypocritical mouth of yours.

Thom on May 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm