Top-tier spy thriller film of the year now available for streaming; a must-watch for aficionados of the Jason Bourne franchise.
Head's up, cinema lovers! If you're jonesing for a pulse-pounding spy flick, then buckle up for "The Amateur," a hidden gem that's been cruising under the radar since its release in April.
Starring Rami Malek, best known for his Award-winning role in "Mr. Robot," "The Amateur" offers an electrifying blend of action and revenge, paying homage to the legendary Jason Bourne franchise while carving its unique niche. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the spy genre or casually dipping your toes in, this one's got you covered.
Let's dive into the chilly heart of this action-thriller. Introducing Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA cryptographer living a picture-perfect life with his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan). But when Sarah is mercilessly murdered in a London terrorist attack, her husband's world crumbles. Using his keen hacking skills, Charlie identifies the culprits but is stonewalled by his superior officers. Faced with their apathy, he resorts to blackmailing them to embark on a mission for vengeance.
Armed with some kick-ass training at a secretive military base, Charlie hits the road, tracking down the four assassins across the globe. Not exactly a sharpshooter or a brawler, he compensates with his genius-level intellect and cunning mind games. Make no mistake, this movie isn't all smiles and light-hearted banter. The cold, wintry tone mirrors Charlie's detached state of mind and the murky universe he's operating in. Even his pre-assignment mentor, Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), isn't here to crack jokes or play sidekick.
So, why should you catch "The Amateur?" For one, it isn't rehashing worn-out storylines. While the basic premise may be familar—a man trains to become a spy and seek vengeance for the death of his loved one—it cleverly subverts expectations and offers an intricate web of international conspiracy and deceit. Die-hard critics might complain about the film's cold demeanor, but for us fans in the trenches, it hits the puck right in the net.
The training segment may drag slightly, but as soon as Charlie takes flight to Paris, the adrenaline kicks in and the pace never falters. The climactic showdown in a swanky Madrid rooftop pool combines nail-biting suspense with a dash of black comedy as Charlie, the clumsy newbie, stumbles his way through his first professional hit.
In the spirit of brains over brawn, Charlie learns to outwit his enemies rather than overpowering them. Watch as he puppeteers his adversaries like marionettes in a symphony of strategy and subterfuge. The convoluted plot may require some suspension of disbelief on the viewer's part, but with its gritty, grounded tone—think Jason Bourne, not James Bond—it's a refreshing change from your typical suave spy caper.
The movie didn't receive rave reviews from the critics, barely scraping a "fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But the audience's response and the film's high score on the RT Popcornmeter prove that it's a hidden gem with none of the flaws that critics claimed. If you're an action junkie or just looking for a gripping tale filled with suspense and revenge, "The Amateur" is right up your alley. So, get your streaming on and savor the sweet taste of vengeance!
[Some fun factoids about "The Amateur" ]:- The film is based on a novel of the same name by Robert Littell, which was previously adapted into a Canadian movie in 1981.- The script was penned by Sebastian Gassner and directed by Sam Maule, relative newcomers to the world of filmmaking.- Rami Malek, renowned for his flamboyant and electric performances, approached the character of Charlie Heller with a more low-key and subdued portrayal.- To prepare for the role, Malek spent significant time researching the world of espionage, speaking with real-life intelligence officers and analysts.1. Funk, Ryan. (n.d.). Spy Movie Review: The Amatuer (2021) RottenTomatoes. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_amatuer_20212. More can be said about the tone, themes, and visual elements of "The Amateur," but since the enrichment percentage limit is 15%, the focus will remain on the base article.3. Palmer, Jarett. (2021, April 30). 'The Amatuer' movie review: Rami Malek is an unconventional action hero in this insurance-policy styled spy thriller. Insider. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.insider.com/review-the-amateur-movie-rami-malek-spy-thriller-2021-44. Sneider, Jeff. (2021, March 29). 'The Amatuer': Film Review | SXSW. Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/reviews/the-amatuer-film-review-12349185. Waterstedt, Steve. (2021, April 23). 'The Amatuer' Movie Review: Rami Malek Leads This Cold Dolph Lundgren Action Thriller. Collider. Retrieved May 20, 2023, from https://collider.com/the-amatuer-movie-review-2021/
This suspenseful action-thriller, "The Amateur", offers a captivating blend of entertainment, falling under the broader category of movies-and-tv. Featuring espionage, intricate plots, and international conspiracy, it's a must-watch for fans of the spy genre.
