The Amateur ‘Movie Review’ – Spotlight Report

Starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne, The Amateur is an action thriller and the second film adaptation of Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name.

Charlie Heller (Malek) is a gifted CIA decoder whose life is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. When his superiors refuse to take action, Charlie takes matters into his own hands, using his expertise as a weapon, he embarks on a journey across the globe to track down those responsible.

The film’s revenge-driven plot feels dated and reminiscent of action films of the ’80s, it struggles to resonate with modern audiences. A story of one man seeking vengeance for his wife’s death may have been compelling in the era when the novel was published, but for a 21st century audience, it falls flat.

Rami Malek delivers a strong performance, grounding his character in emotional realism. Despite the film’s over-the-top premise, Malek convincingly portrays a man consumed by grief, desperately out of his depth but determined to seek justice. His nuanced portrayal elevates the film, as he brings a level of authenticity to a character that could easily have fallen into caricature.

The Amateur’s storyline is too unrealistic, and does not stand out as a memorable action-thriller. The film’s pacing, while occasionally tense and with some stand out action sequences, is ultimately dragged down by its predictable narrative beats and lack of character depth.

The Amateur fails to bring a fresh take on a well-worn story, the underlying message “revenge is not the answer” is not a groundbreaking concept

The Amateur is a film that can be easily skipped. While it offers some gripping action sequences, its unrealistic plot and predictable narrative make for an underwhelming viewing experience.