It wasn't really an action movie, but even for what it was, it moved too slow. Needed to be about 30 minutes shorter. I didn't read the book on which it was based, but it appears that this was an attempt to translate the book to a movie without allowing for the fact that the structure of a book of this type doesn't translate directly to the screen. And I thought the ending was unsatisfying; the guy who "knows too much" didn't appear to ever do anything with what he knew. Should have been some explanation there, or maybe a different ending (like maybe a congressional hearing).

One might like the movie if you just watch the movie without the knowledge of the book. If you are watching the movie because you were impressed by the book, then I suggest you skip this movie. I like Sam Elliott and I love Mr. Forsyth's writing. Avenger is one of my favorite book. The movie has bare-bone resemblance to the book and most of the story is focused on the last part of the book. Character development is minimal. Entire background of protagonist's character from Vietnam is ignored. As much as I understand that there are limitations when a book is made into a movie, this one is a disaster. I am surprised Mr. Forsyth agreed to this project as it is a huge disappointment for his fans. It was hard to sit through the movie. They butchered it pretty bad.

did not follow the book at the end; typical over the top violence at the end as hero Elliott appears to take on the world
and wins going away; up to then it was an okay movie then the nonsense took over; I realize most who see this film but have not read the book will think it is just wonderful; it does not hold a candle to the films "Day of the Jackel" or "The Odessa File", both 0f which followed the books very closely FROM BEGINNING TO END!!! This film was an insult to author
Frederick Forsyth; why does Hollywood continue to use stupid, ridiculous mega explosions/gunfire, etc? I can only conclude that it is meant for mentally challenged people

The casting (Sam Elliott minus a cowboy hat for example) was awesome!! Kudos to whomever encouraged such a group to get together and make this film. The photography work was stunning. Scenery!!! wow!! The action scenes were actually believable.
Do not miss this one.

Even if you don't account for the book this is a bad thriller. Then if you account for how badly an excellent storyline was mauled, it is even worse. Frederick Forsyth should be suing these people for how they ruined his book title. The biggest kicker in the whole story is completely ignored, all the characters are shallow and the subplots are all lost. I don't know why make a movie of that book. If at all you want to make something a mini TV series makes sense.
If you want a good thriller, watch reruns of Jack Ryan or even better read the book Avenger.

Worst storyline. Cheap copy of the Equalizer series. Whoever wrote this wrote from this with zero research or knowledge of actions involved. Director? Was there one? If so must have gotten him/her from a High school project. Lot of wasted shots, didn’t visually explain what was being shot. Acting was less than B movie. Not sure why Sam Elliot did this move, was he desperate?so bad it does not even deserve a rotten tomatoes or even mentioning.

Sam Elliott plays a very cool action hero....he gets the job done with smarts and perseverance more so than in your face violence, although the violence is certainly there at times. Fairly riveting plot and you’re not always sure what will happen next. Actor Cromwell plays the perfect CIA bigwig, let’s hope they are really not that detached from their humanity. All in all, a great watch.

Like a lot of folks I'm a Sam Elliott fan. Cool, collected, and never flustered! This will no doubt not change your mind as it pertains to him. Not really complicated plot, but can rile your passions for government behind the scenes, and the intelligence agencies that exist. Still, if you're looking for a special/classic movie then this is not it, but it is worth a watch to pass the time. Doesn't leave you with too many questions unanswered :-) Enjoy!