Tim Pipkin

🎬 Overview The Amateur (2025), directed by James Hawes and based on Robert Littell’s novel, stars Rami Malek as Charlie Heller—a CIA cryptographer turned reluctant assassin after his wife is tragically killed in London . Clocking in at just over two hours, the film combines espionage, revenge, and tech‑savvy intrigue. ⸻ 👍 Strengths    •   Rami Malek’s performance feels deliberately understated—fitting the reluctant, analytical protagonist—but some viewers find his detachment intriguing  .    •   The supporting cast, including Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal, brings depth—even if some roles are underwritten .    •   The film benefits from beautifully shot international locales—London, Marseille, Istanbul—and some inventive action sequences (e.g., a rooftop YouTube lock‑picking scene) . ⸻ 👎 Weaknesses    •   Plot logic stretches believability: critics describe it as “a load of utter nonsense,” with reliance on the “computer shit” trope .    •   Emotional detachment persists; viewers often report not feeling Charlie’s pain or investment .    •   Pacing issues arise in the second half—criticized for sluggish momentum and an ending that feels rushed .    •   Seen by some as routine and formulaic, drawing too heavily from Bourne‑style spy clichés without adding much originality . ⸻ ⭐ Reception at a Glance    •   Critics: Mixed—Rotten Tomatoes sits at ~61%, describing it as competent but emotionally shallow (). Ebert.com and Roger Ebert rail on its lack of emotional core .    •   Audiences: More favorable—~88% “fresh” audience score, with many praising its smart‑underdog revenge plot and Rami Malek’s cerebral performance . ⸻ 🎖 My Take If you’re craving a thinking-person’s spy thriller—something a bit different from gun-heavy blockbusters—The Amateur offers a neat twist by making brains rather than brawn the hero’s weapon. Malek delivers a quietly intense lead, and the supporting cast shines. But if you expect emotionally charged action with relentless pacing, this might underwhelm. The narrative sometimes drifts, and the emotional beats never quite land. Bottom line: Stream it. It’s a solid mid-tier spy flick that stands out for its intelligence and atmosphere more than its adrenaline rush. ⸻ Fun Fact It grossed around $96 million worldwide against a $60 million budget—modest for the genre, but not a flop . ⸻ Should You Watch?    •   ✅ Yes if you enjoy psychological, cerebral take on espionage with smart world‑travel vibes.    •   ❌ Skip if you’re after relentless action or deep emotional catharsis.