Rami Malek as a CIA Assassin? 🤯

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Who asserts that every action hero must possess the muscular physique of Dwayne Johnson, the imposing growl of Liam Neeson, or the bone-shattering agility of Jason Statham? However, Rami Malek challenges this stereotype in his latest film “The Amateur”. In this movie, he portrays an unassuming yet extraordinarily intelligent CIA cryptographer who embarks on a mission to avenge his wife after she is tragically killed in a London terrorist attack.

To put it simply, “The Amatuer” isn’t a typical high-octane action film. Instead, it shares similarities with a suspenseful espionage thriller. The protagonist, Charlie Heller, portrayed by Malek, is a CIA analyst and encryption expert who prefers to immerse himself in his work rather than socializing. Despite his wife Sarah’s (Rachel Brosnahan) invitation for a trip to London, he declines, choosing to focus on his professional duties.

However, when Charlie receives news from CIA Deputy Director Frank Moore (Holt McCallany) that Sarah has been tragically killed in a terrorist attack at her London hotel, his world crumbles. Despite being told by higher-ups that they’re handling it, days of being kept waiting and left ignorant lead Charlie to take action. He resolves to use his unique abilities – his “particular set of skills” – to locate and exact revenge upon those responsible for taking Sarah’s life.

However, Charlie discovers damning proof against Director Moore that places him under scrutiny from his influential superiors. Consequently, as he journeys across the world to track down his wife’s murderers, he must evade CIA agents dispatched by the same agency he serves. Among these operatives is Robert “Hendo” Henderson, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne, who was previously thought to be Charlie’s guide but has now become an assassin. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Julianne Nicholson, and Adrian Martinez.

In my opinion, “The Amatuer” kicks off impressively, skillfully laying the groundwork for an engaging espionage adventure. The initial segment effectively introduces Charlie, revealing his attributes and flaws that significantly impact the movie’s narrative flow. However, the latter part seems to lose momentum as it navigates from one scene to another. Despite Rami Malek’s consistent performance, he finds himself trapped within the slow-moving plot mechanics. The character growth slows down noticeably as the story guides Charlie across different nations.

In summary, “The Amateur” is skillfully and boldly produced, with London, Marseille, and Istanbul beautifully captured and seamlessly blended into the narrative. Malek’s casting as the distinctive protagonist is commendable, and the action sequences complement his character effectively. However, the film could benefit from a leaner second half and more screen time for Jon Bernthal to enhance its overall appeal, which is otherwise enjoyable but tends to drag at times.

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2025-04-17 21:59