The American

Whether you're snowed in or sitting in the sun, the slow week between holidays is the perfect time to snuggle up with a movie. Here are the latest offerings.

The American
George Clooney takes a break from the chatty and charming characters he's usually known for to play a reticent assassin who travels to Italy to complete one last assignment before he retires. He meets a few women along the way, though quickly realizes that someone is hot on his trail and he may not be able to trust anyone. I found the film to be a bit slow, but it boasts gorgeous scenery and may be up your alley if you're a fan of art house films. DVD extras include deleted scenes, commentary from director Anton Corbijn, and a featurette.

65%

Twelve
Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford stars as conflicted drug dealer White Mike in this indie drama (based on the novel of the same name) about wealthy out-of-control teenagers living in Manhattan. As his fellow classmates become addicted to a new drug (brought to them by a fellow dealer played by 50 Cent), Mike contemplates giving up his gig and pursuing a relationship with an old family friend and good girl (Emma Roberts). The film has plenty of sex, corruption, and rebellion, but overall it doesn't pack as much punch (or grit) as it intends to.

4%

One more new DVD when you read more

No wonder Resident Evil's Alice is in the running for most kickass female character of all time. Resident Evil: Afterlife scored big at the box office, taking in $27.7 million in its opening weekend. It completely smoked Takers and last week's champ, The American. Those films took a distant second and third place with $6.1 and $5.8 million, respectively.

Rounding up the lackluster weekend was Machete, which grossed $4.2 million and Going the Distance with $3.8 million. I'd say the Summer of blockbusters is officially over, so let's bring on those exciting new Fall movies!

George Clooney proved that he's still got it as his newly-released movie The American took the number one spot at the box office with 12.9 million over Labor Day weekend. Nipping at its heels was box office surprise Takers, which finished at second with $11.5 million (it pulled off a similar feat last weekend).

Robert Rodriguez's campy Machete managed to land in the third place with an $11.3 million haul, followed by last week's No. one, The Last Exorcism (which earned $7.6 million). The Drew Barrymore/Justin Long romantic comedy Going the Distance didn't quite go the distance with a mere $6.9 million, but it did round out the top five.

Labor Day weekend is practically begging for at least one movie outing, so if you're planning on hitting up the theater, check out what we have to say about new releases The American and Going the Distance. Watch now!

This just in: Your favorite Academy Award winner, a certain Mr. George Clooney (you may be familiar with some of his previous work), stars as a super sexy assassin, Jack, in The American. When a top-secret job in Sweden ends, let's say, more harshly than expected, Jack retreats to the Italian countryside. He relishes being away from his career of danger as he holes up in a small medieval town. While living la bella vita, Jack takes an assignment to construct a weapon for a mysterious contact and then pursues a torrid liaison with a very beautiful woman, Clara (Violante Placido). Jack and Clara's time together eventually evolves into a romance (she's only human) . . . but by stepping out of the shadows and into love, Jack may be tempting fate . . . look out, George!

You can spend two hours with Jack in the theater, and you can check out the video below right now.

Nicole Richie says only she is to blame for her past run-ins with the law, Natalie Portman digs into pasta now that she's done playing a dancer, and George Clooney celebrates a big week at dinner with Elisabetta. Watch today's all-new weekend edition of PopSugar Rush!

The American hits theaters today, starring George Clooney as a somber assassin/gunsmith who travels to Italy for one final assignment. Despite his reclusivity, he befriends both a priest (Paolo Bonacelli) and a prostitute (Violante Placido), until increasing paranoia leaves him wondering who to trust. His suspicions are warranted: someone is on his trail.

Clooney is obviously the box office draw here, and this film rests entirely on his shoulders. But does he carry it well? Watch the trailer again, and then read on for what you should know before buying your ticket.

1. Bourne film, it isn't. If you're looking for a Hollywood assassin flick that moves at swift, butt-kicking speeds, this may not be for you. The movie spends most of its energy building suspense and tension instead of focusing on fight scenes. The slow pace has some critics calling it an art film.

To hear the rest of my thoughts (including Clooney's sex scene), read more