“The Amateur” fails to capture the spirit of classic spy thrillers. Instead of a gripping story, it feels like a dull rehash of ideas we’ve seen before. The phrase “style over substance” comes to mind, but in this case, even the style is lacking. When a film struggles to find its voice, viewers quickly notice the weak plot, which is, frankly, ridiculous. Without engaging characters or a strong narrative, it becomes hard to suspend disbelief. This leaves us grappling with shallow figures and far-fetched scenarios.
Consider how Tony Scott might have approached the same story of a data analyst turned international assassin. His films had a certain flare that elevated the narrative. If you’re looking for a thrill, you’d be better off watching “Spy Game.”
In “The Amateur,” Rami Malek plays Charles Heller, a CIA data analyst. After the tragic murder of his wife, Sarah, in London, Heller discovers that a planned drone strike was twisted into a suicide bombing. Knowing too much, he decides to blackmail his superiors for the training and resources to take revenge on his wife’s killers. He’s supplied with some guidance from Robert Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) but soon goes rogue. The CIA realizes he’s a loose cannon and sets out to stop him. Can he find his targets before they catch him?
The film has potential on paper, which may explain why it boasts a talented cast that includes Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, and Michael Stuhlbarg. But they’re largely wasted. Brosnahan plays Heller’s wife in a forgettable role that adds little depth to the story. The strongest emotional moments should come from Heller’s struggle with vengeance. How far would you go for love? But instead of intensity, we get a lackluster film that feels devoid of life. It’s hard to feel anything when the stakes are so poorly presented.
Interestingly, a recent study found that audiences are becoming increasingly critical of films that lack character development and engaging plots. Viewers today crave authenticity and depth, and “The Amateur” misses the mark completely. Reviews highlight Malek’s efforts but critique the film’s inability to connect on a human level. This disconnect seems to stem from both the direction by James Hawes and Malek’s unusual performance choices. The film’s visual style also contributes to the bleakness, with a color palette so dark, it almost feels oppressive. There’s a notable absence of energy, making it hard to engage with the story or its characters.
Even the action sequences, which should invigorate the plot, fall flat. One particular shoot-out ends so absurdly that it accidentally becomes a comedic moment rather than thrilling. In contrast to iconic characters like James Bond or Jason Bourne, who draw you in with charm and charisma, Heller is unremarkable, leaving us questioning the story’s logic at every turn.
In conclusion, “The Amateur” offers little in terms of entertainment or substance. The film puts us at a distance from its central character and leaves us searching for any spark that might make the experience worthwhile. In a world filled with compelling narratives, this film simply doesn’t hold up.
Check out this related article: Explosive Review of ‘The Amateur’: Rami Malek’s Math-Driven Revenge in This Action-Packed STEM Thriller!
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