Good morning, everyone! Today, I want to dive into the nuances of Rami Malek’s latest film, The Amateur, which hits theatres this weekend. I caught a press screening last night, and I left feeling… well, it was fine. It’s not that I was disappointed, but I expected a bit more from this film. Let’s break it down.
The Premise
The film kicks off with a gripping premise. Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a decoder for the CIA, whose life takes a dramatic turn when his wife, portrayed by the talented Rachel Brosnahan, is killed in a terrorist attack. This isn’t a spoiler, as her death occurs early in the movie—setting the stage for Charlie’s quest for vengeance.
After discovering who orchestrated the attack, Charlie approaches his superiors, only to be met with bureaucratic indifference. They explain that the CIA operates differently, which frustrates him to no end. So, what does Charlie do? He decides to take matters into his own hands by blackmailing his bosses to train him for fieldwork. Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but it’s part of the fun.
A Unique Take on the CIA Agent
One of the aspects I really enjoyed about The Amateur is how Charlie is not your typical CIA agent. He’s not a master of hand-to-hand combat or a sharpshooter. Instead, he has to think outside the box to hunt down the four individuals responsible for his wife’s death. The methods he employs are often unique and, yes, sometimes downright ridiculous. I found myself laughing at how inventive he got—especially with some of the more outrageous ideas he came up with!
The Dynamics of Training
Charlie is trained by none other than Laurence Fishburne, and their interactions were some of the film’s highlights. There’s a certain chemistry between the two, even if the movie sometimes rushes their relationship development. At one point, Charlie refers to Fishburne’s character as a friend, and I thought, “Whoa, that escalated quickly!” But overall, their scenes together were enjoyable.
Pacing Issues
However, the pacing of the film left something to be desired. After Charlie embarks on his mission, there are long stretches between each target. While I understand that mourning and character development are essential, there were moments when the action would come to a screeching halt. I found myself wishing for a more continuous flow of excitement, rather than these emotional interludes that felt a bit excessive.
Suspension of Belief
Another significant aspect to note is the script. Viewers will need to suspend their disbelief numerous times throughout the film. There are moments where you think, “Really? Is that how it would go down?” It’s a common pitfall in thrillers, but it felt particularly pronounced here. While I appreciated the film’s ambition, some elements just didn’t sit right with me.
Character Wastage
Now, let’s talk about Jon Bernthal’s character. His role felt entirely unnecessary. He makes a brief appearance at the beginning and pops up later for a couple of minutes, but honestly, you could remove his character, and the story would remain unchanged. It’s frustrating to see such a talented actor underutilised, especially when his potential could have added depth to the narrative.
The Climax and Conclusion
As Charlie gets closer to his targets, the film does build up to some exciting moments. I particularly enjoyed the confrontation with the final individual he hunts down. It was unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. However, the ending felt somewhat rushed and left me wondering about certain plot points that hadn’t been fully explored.
The Bottom Line
So, where does that leave us? Overall, The Amateur is a mixed bag. It has its moments of brilliance, particularly in the unique approach to the spy genre and some entertaining sequences. Yet, it suffers from pacing issues and character wastage that detracted from the overall experience.
If you’re considering catching it in theatres this weekend, I’d say go for it, but temper your expectations. It’s not a film I’d rush to watch again, but it’s worth a viewing if you’re a fan of Rami Malek or the spy thriller genre.
FAQs
1. Is “The Amateur” worth watching in theatres?
If you’re a fan of Rami Malek or enjoy spy thrillers, it might be worth a watch. Just be prepared for some pacing issues.
2. What is the main theme of “The Amateur”?
The film revolves around themes of revenge, loss, and the lengths one might go to for justice.
3. How does Rami Malek’s character differ from traditional CIA agents?
Unlike typical CIA characters who are skilled in combat, Charlie Heller relies on his intelligence and creativity to navigate his mission.
4. Are there any notable performances besides Rami Malek?
Laurence Fishburne delivers a strong performance, though some characters, like Jon Bernthal’s, feel underutilised.
5. What are the pacing issues in the film?
The film has long stretches of emotional downtime that can disrupt the flow of the action, making it feel longer than it is.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on The Amateur. Let me know if you plan to see it this weekend!
