Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
- Rami Malek stars in 'The Amateur,' a sleeper spy thriller with unique twists.
- The film offers a grounded take on espionage, focusing on intelligence over action.
- Critics note pacing issues and unresolved plot threads but praise Malek's performance.
"The Amateur" is one of those films that flew under the radar, but it deserves a closer look. Going into it, I didn't know much, and honestly, that's the way I'd recommend watching it. If you're familiar with the 1981 film or the original novel, then there's not much we can do about that. But if you aren't, the less you know, the better.
Suffice it to say, Rami Malek plays a CIA analyst who has never been in the field and, frankly, has no business being out there. But due to some events and a touch of blackmail, he's thrust into the thick of things. This set-up offers a twist on the spy genre and while the film isn't perfect, it's certainly a surprising and entertaining ride.
The good
Rami Malek is the right fit
I'm not always a huge fan of Rami Malek, but when he's in the right role, he can really shine. "The Amateur" is one of those roles. Malek's portrayal of an unassuming, nerdy CIA analyst who's ill-prepared for the field works surprisingly well. The film doesn't ask him to be a suave, action-hero type. It's more about using his wits to outsmart the bad guys, which Malek plays well.
I think "The Amateur" would not have worked had Hugh Jackman, who was originally attached to the role, stayed on board. Jackman is a fantastic actor, but this role needed someone who could sell the vulnerability of a man out of his depth, and Malek absolutely delivers. He's the guy you wouldn't think twice about when it comes to watching your back, and that's what makes his character so compelling.
A different take on the spy genre
"The Amateur" stands out in a crowded genre that includes everything from James Bond movies to "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy."
It's not a big-budget, action-packed Bond film full of gadgets and sex appeal, nor is it a slow-burn, think-piece film like Tinker, Tailor. Instead, "The Amateur" takes a different approach, leaning into more McGyver-style espionage, though without the paperclips and mullets.
This film focuses on the everyday aspects of spy work: tracking people, gathering intel and using whatever tools are available to survive. It's not a glossy, high-octane thriller, but it's refreshing in its "grounded" approach. The stakes are different here, and it offers a welcome change of pace in the spy thriller world.
The bad
Pacing issues
One of the most noticeable flaws in "The Amateur" is its pacing. It starts slow, which isn't necessarily a problem, but the slow build-up takes a bit too long to get going. The relationships being set up early on are vital to the plot, but it feels like the film could have moved a little faster.
Then, when things start to pick up, we jump into action only to slow down again. The rhythm of the film is a bit off at times, making it feel like the momentum is constantly being interrupted. While the pacing doesn't completely derail the experience, it did pull me out of the story a few times.
Plot confusion and unresolved threads
Another issue I had with "The Amateur" was the film's occasional lack of clarity. With multiple moving parts and characters, the film jumps back and forth between plotlines, but not all of them are fully resolved. A few characters are introduced and then seemingly forgotten, only to make an unexpected return later on, which feels a bit jarring.
Additionally, some of the characters' relationships shifted unexpectedly, leaving me unsure if I missed something or if the film simply didn't explain things clearly.
While this isn't a dealbreaker, it did leave me scratching my head a few times. The filmmakers started pulling on multiple threads but didn't always tie them up in a satisfying way.
What parents should know
"The Amateur" is rated PG-13 for strong violence and language. The violence, while not overly graphic, is present throughout the film and feels realistic within the context of the story. The language isn't too strong, but fitting for a film of this genre.
There are no major issues with suggestive content, but the themes of espionage, betrayal, revenge and murder may be a bit too intense for younger audiences.
Conclusion
While "The Amateur" won't go down as one of the great spy films, it's still a solid, entertaining film that offers a fresh take on the genre. Rami Malek's casting is notable and the film succeeds in creating an espionage story that is more about brains and determination than brawn.
It's not a movie that is going to set the world on fire, but it's definitely worth watching if you're a fan of the spy genre, or if you just want something that feels a bit different from the usual fare. If you're expecting a high-octane action thriller, you might be disappointed, but if you're in the mood for a sleeper with a clever take on espionage, "The Amateur" fits the bill.
Is it worth the high ticket prices at the theater? Maybe not. But it's a solid choice for a matinee or a movie to stream on a quiet afternoon with a bowl of popcorn and a comfy couch in a few months.
"The Amateur" is rated PG-13 for some strong violence and language.
