The Amateur: A Star-Studded Snore-A-Thon

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However, I possess a unique set of abilities that I’ve honed over the course of my extensive career. This line is from Liam Neeson in the 2008 movie Taken, and it has contributed significantly to the rise of a popular action film subgenre: the seemingly ordinary but deadly protagonist.” In this version, Bryan Mills’ character is introduced as someone who appears to be an ordinary, loving father, but audiences soon learn that he possesses exceptional skills. The basic concept has been reinterpreted in various ways since then.

The Amateur

Launch Date: The film will be unveiled on the 11th of April, 2025.At the Helm: James Hawes is the mastermind behind this production.Scriptwriters: Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli have penned down the script.Leading Cast: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani, Michael Stuhlbarg, Barbara Probst, Marc Rissmann, Joseph Millson, Jon Berhthal, Julianne Nicholson, and Laurence Fishburne star in this production.Rating: This film is rated PG-13 due to some intense violence and strong language.Duration: The movie runs for approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes (123 minutes)

2025 witnessed two instances similar to this, one in February with Ke Huy Quan starring as a lovable realtor with a shady past in “Love Hurts,” while Jack Quaid seized his opportunity last month in “Novocaine” as a likable bank manager who transforms into a tough character due to his lack of pain sensitivity. Neither film is exceptional, with “Novocaine” being superior to the former, but they both possess an intriguing and distinct appeal. Unfortunately, Director James Hawes’ “The Amateur” fails to capture such interest, resulting in a decidedly dull watch.

Rami Malek, winner of an Academy Award, heads this film as a quiet analyst seeking vengeance after his wife’s murder. Unfortunately, the movie lacks both zest and vigor. It seems like 60 minutes of story are crammed into a 123-minute runtime, with its action relying on just four unremarkable action sequences (half of which have been heavily promoted in the trailers). The film frequently induces yawns as the protagonist leisurely travels through Europe, leaving viewers waiting for something exciting to unfold. Regrettably, a talented cast is underutilized in a movie that appears unsure of how to make use of its characters effectively.

The film, sharing its title with Robert Littell’s novel, features Malek as Charlie Heller, a CIA basement-residing codebreaker whose world crumbles when the woman he adores (Rachel Brosnahan) is murdered by a terrorist cell consisting of Michael Stuhlbarg, Barbara Probst, Marc Rissmann, and Joseph Millson. Overwhelmed with grief and isolation, he employs his skills and knowledge to track down the perpetrators. However, his superiors (Holt McCallany and Danny Sapani) disallow immediate retaliation due to higher priority operations.

Heller, finding his life uneventful, chooses instead to extort the CIA using information about a covert operation he stumbles upon just a couple days ago as ammunition. His sole request is authorization for his crusade and some brief tutoring from an experienced agent (Laurence Fishburne). As his employers seek any chance to silence him, he journeys globally in pursuit of retribution, always staying one move ahead.

The Amateur has nothing interesting to contribute to the underdog action thriller subgenre.

In the genre of unexpected hero action-thrillers, cunning deception plays a significant role. For instance, in the film “Taken”, Bryan Mills, despite being a retired father, possesses an exceptional knack for combat. Similarly, Ke Huy Quan’s character Marvin Gable in “Love Hurts” appears gentle and friendly, yet harbors an explosive anger hidden deep within. In “Novocaine”, Jack Quaid’s character Nate has led a secluded life due to his unique medical condition, but his inability to feel pain strips him of the drive to continue fighting. This element is missing in “The Amateur”. Charlie Heller, the protagonist of this film, is aware and frequently reminded that he lacks the ruthless instinct and advanced skills common among action heroes. However, what makes him relatable doesn’t make him particularly captivating as a character.

In the movie, it’s clear that the main character isn’t portrayed as lacking intelligence or computer skills, which enable him to gather necessary information for the plot. This could also apply to the CIA informant he collaborates with in the second act of the film. However, the way Heller executes his tracking, interrogation, and killing techniques lacks depth and development, making the thriller feel less suspenseful overall. For instance, when Heller confronts one of his wife’s killers on a rooftop pool connecting two buildings (a scene heavily promoted in the trailers), there is no clever strategy or tension built around the antagonist’s fear in his dangerous situation. Instead, the confrontation unfolds predictably: the suspect denies being who Heller suspects, a button is pressed, and the pool shatters, resulting in the suspect’s death without any real suspense or excitement.

It’s possible to express Charlie Heller’s hook as follows: While Charlie Heller’s character may appear to be above being bloodthirsty, this contradicts the very essence of a revenge story. Consequently, the movie deliberately withholds what viewers typically expect from “The Amateur.

Don’t make the same mistake I did: don’t expect The Amateur to be a spy thriller with twists.

The storyline in this movie feels strangely straightforward, devoid of unexpected twists or turns, despite being about a renowned spy agency. One might expect shocking revelations or hidden connections to the plot, but these elements are conspicuously absent. Instead, the narrative unfolds predictably, leaving audiences craving for more intrigue and mystery, particularly regarding Heller’s wife’s death and CIA operations. Regrettably, such revelations never materialize, making the movie less captivating as it progresses.

In essence, “The Amateur” is a film that carries labels such as “starrer” and “world tour,” which are more descriptive than praiseworthy. Indeed, there’s a wealth of talent on display and the production team did their fair share of location shooting. However, it would have been wiser to focus more on creating a compelling narrative rather than just showcasing these elements. Ultimately, it lacks both intelligence and excitement, leaving viewers unengaged – simply put, it’s tedious.

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2025-04-08 19:07