### **Movie Review: ‘The Amateur’ – A Tense Yet Familiar Political Thriller**
Rami Malek’s latest project, **“The Amateur,”** offers a blend of suspense and intrigue, but upon closer inspection, it feels like a déjà vu journey through a landscape filled with well-trodden political and spy thriller tropes. Hitting theaters this weekend, this film adaptation of Robert Littell’s 1981 novel brings some excitement while also inviting comparisons to films that precede it.
#### **A Familiar Plot Yet Engaging Premise**
**“The Amateur”** follows the story of Charlie Heller—portrayed by Malek—who is embroiled in a deadly game of revenge following the tragic death of his wife. This adaptation marks the second film version of Littell’s book, initially adapted in the early 1980s. While the narrative grips viewers with its **tense, unpredictable twists**, it often finds itself echoing elements from iconic franchises like the **Jason Bourne** series and **Tom Clancy’s** cinematic endeavors.
Despite its reliance on familiar storylines, the film is not devoid of merit. While it deviates from the source material considerably, it manages to maintain an air of excitement. However, it unmistakably leaves viewers yearning for more originality.
#### **Rami Malek’s Performance: A Missed Opportunity**
One notable weakness lies in **Malek’s portrayal of Charlie Heller**. While the character is supposed to portray deep emotional turmoil following his wife’s murder, Malek’s performance sometimes borders on the **emotionally stale**. A stronger display of grief and anger could have elevated the film significantly—especially as Charlie navigates his path of vengeance.
Instead, viewers are treated to moments of mild irritation and a few scenes of emotional outbursts that fail to capture the depth of his character. **Even introverted individuals express strong feelings**, particularly during their personal crises. Unfortunately, Charlie’s emotional responses range from a fleeting cry to an awkward episode of nausea.
#### **Strong Supporting Cast Steals the Spotlight**
In stark contrast to Malek’s performance, the supporting cast delivers some standout portrayals. **Laurence Fishburne** shines as Henderson, a **CIA operative turned assassin** tasked with eliminating Charlie. Fishburne’s magnetic presence certainly helps bolster the film’s tension, especially in scenes where he and Malek share screen time. However, one can’t help but wish for even more interactions between their characters, as it would have heightened the film’s stakes.
Charlie is depicted as an ineffectual killer, seemingly out of his depth when wielding firearms. Instead, he excels in decoding and manipulating tools—a trait that transitions him from peculiar puzzles to dangerous explosives. The film somewhat sidesteps the complex character from the original novel, opting instead for a more conventional approach that leaves viewers craving depth.
#### **Navigating the Plot: An Uneven Experience**
The narrative introduces a slew of **complex subplots** that may appeal to thriller aficionados. However, at times, it feels like the film borrows too heavily from established plots, following a well-worn route from the Bourne saga of runaway agents. While Charlie operates independently, the weight of governmental secrecy nearly vanishes, along with the exploration of rich themes like **anti-Semitism and the Cold War**, which were central to Littell’s narrative.
The tension peaks with Henderson’s pursuit of Charlie, showcasing the intersecting fates that thread through the cat-and-mouse game. As bodies pile up, the stakes amplify, raising questions about Charlie’s methods and the morality of his quest for revenge.
#### **A Satisfying Yet Rushed Conclusion**
However, as the film unfolds toward its climax, the pacing stumbles. The conclusion seems hastily resolved, tying off loose ends too swiftly and leaving audiences with lingering questions. While some queries may spark intrigue—like the potential return of Henderson—others feel unsatisfactory. One can’t help but wonder how Charlie managed to orchestrate his final confrontations without sufficient build-up.
Director **James Hawes** and screenwriters **Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli** opted for an **original ending** that diverges from Littell’s storyline, offering a fresh twist on the proverbial “revenge is a dish best served cold.” Unfortunately, this narrative choice leaves viewers feeling somewhat detached as resolutions culminate in a way that lacks emotional payoff.
#### **Final Thoughts: ‘The Amateur’ – An Enjoyable Yet Unremarkable Experience**
In summary, **“The Amateur”** may not rise to the level of a groundbreaking political thriller nor stand as a contender for awards. However, it manages to deliver enough tension to engage audiences for a couple of hours. While it ultimately draws from familiar wellsprings of cinematic storytelling, it may still satisfy those searching for an entertaining evening at the movies. So, if you’re in the mood for some **heart-pounding chase sequences** and a plot laden with intrigue, “The Amateur” might just fit the bill.
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