The Amateur: A Lackluster Attempt at Modern Thrills
In the realm of action thrillers, expectations can run high, especially when a film boasts a notable director like James Hawes and a star-studded cast led by Rami Malek. However, 'The Amateur' falls woefully short, earning a dismal rating of 2 out of 5 on the scale. While it attempts to offer a fresh take on the revenge narrative, the film ultimately feels stale and lacking depth.
'The Amateur' is a remake of an early 1980s thriller of the same name, penned by Robert Littell. The film tells the story of a CIA codebreaker, Heller (Rami Malek), whose life spirals into chaos following the murder of his wife during a terrorist attack in London. This event thrusts him into a world of espionage where he must balance the line between justice and revenge. Though there are similarities to Sidney Pollack’s classic 'Three Days of the Condor,' the execution in 'The Amateur' leaves much to be desired.
As Heller navigates the shadows of international intrigue, comparisons to the suave style of James Bond arise. However, where Bond often thrives on flashy escapades, 'The Amateur' aims for a more subdued and realistic approach – or at least, it tries. Heller's character, portrayed effectively by Malek, is depicted not as a heroic figure, but as one riddled with self-doubt and anxiety. This unconventional portrayal provides a unique twist but does not fully compensate for the film's shortcomings.
The narrative quickly falls apart under scrutiny. While the film might initially promise a gripping adventure, it quickly devolves into a formulaic revenge story where the stakes feel disappointingly low. The ultimate climax lacks the tension required to qualify as a thrill, relying too heavily on contrived resolutions that detract from the viewers’ engagement. Rather than delivering an authentic emotional journey, the conclusion feels mechanized, as if the script adhered to a checklist without any room for organic development or complexity.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the film leans heavily on tired tropes common in the genre – power abuses are addressed superficially, leading to a rather hollow victory where the audience is expected to celebrate yet another example of American righteousness. The closing words of the film about power resting with the people can’t help but ring hollow, especially amidst the current sociopolitical climate in the US.
Ultimately, 'The Amateur' offers little beyond a rehashed narrative that fails to resonate or provoke thought. While Rami Malek delivers a commendable performance, he deserves better material to showcase his talents. Unfortunately, audiences looking for a gripping action thriller may be left feeling underwhelmed and dissatisfied. The film serves as a reminder that even the most enticing premises can become bogged down by predictability and clichés.
For fans of Malek, there are far better films to revisit, such as 'Papillon' (2017), 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018), and 'No Time to Die' (2021), where his talents are put to better use in compelling narratives. In the end, 'The Amateur' may fade into obscurity, a missed opportunity for both the creators and the audience.
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