The American

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

George Clooney's latest film, The American, is out this week, and though there may be some things you need to know prior to seeing it, it still reinforces his iconic status. Clooney is the handsome movie star who only seems to get better with age, but those ER fans among us will never forget his run as a TV star. Relive his hospital glory days with this reel of Clooney's funniest moments and blunders as rakish doctor Doug Ross!

We're still trying to hang on to the last sunny days of Summer, but the season's big blockbusters have already come and gone. Don't fret: there are still plenty of anticipated movies just around the corner. To make the transition easier, we've got George Clooney helping us usher in the new season with his action movie The American. Opening Sept. 1, we'll watch him wield various guns and romance as many ladies. No one ever said blockbuster boys had to stick to the summertime.

More of Clooney when you read more

Special Friday treat — shirtless George Clooney from the September issue of W! George might be out of the running in our Hottest Shirtless Guy contest, but he's still looking good in the magazine's photos shot on the Italian set of The American by director Anton Corbijn. George wrapped filming earlier this Summer, and since then he's been spending time enjoying the open road on his motorcycle and relaxing at his Lake Como estate with his outspoken girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis. George and Elisabetta will be heading back stateside soon, though, to appear at the Emmys next Sunday.

George Clooney was in leading man mode this morning as he toted a gun on the set of The American in Abruzzo, Italy. He also worked on the thriller yesterday, though production was slowed slightly due to a huge rainstorm. George and his costars are doing reshoots for the project, but the first trailer already gave us a look at all the hot action we can expect from the finished product. Being in Europe means George can pop over to his house on Lake Como for weekends and enjoy his second Summer of fun times with girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis.

George Clooney got caught in a rainstorm earlier today while on the set of The American in Sulmona, Italy. He's back in Europe doing reshoots for the film after some quality time at home in LA with his girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis. George also wrapped up a stay in Hawaii, where he worked on The Descendants and celebrated his 49th birthday. He managed to fit in an appearance at the Spike TV Guys Choice Awards to receive the Guy of the Year honor with a foul-mouthed acceptance speech. It doesn't look like Elisabetta will be winning any statues for her acting, though, after her underwhelming appearance on Leverage finally aired.

To see more photos of George on set, just read more