Another Great Revenge Film With Acting Heart ("The Amateur" Review)

 There's something to be said about a good vigilante film. Whether it's seeing a show like "Daredevil Reborn" or past classics like "Taken," and even newer fare like the fantastic "A Working Man," revenge films give you that satisfaction that you may not get when we live in a world where it feels like the bad guys are getting away with it, whether its small potatoes or up at the very top. At least you can get some contentment seeing it on the big screen. 

So when I saw the trailer for "The Amateur," I was in immediately. Especially when you have top talent in it like Academy Award winner Rami Malek and other superb actors like Laurence Fishburne and Caitroina Balfe. I knew that if at the very least it didn't deliver that at least they honestly tried.

The film is based on a CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller whose wife Sara is tragically killed in an overseas visit. With his exceptional skills as a cryptographer Charlie is able to quickly find out the four terrorists who were involved in the killing, however his higher ups drag their feet through all the red tape. This triggers him to go out on his own to hunt down and take them out. However, he isn't build to be a vigilante, an assassin, or even a killer in general. But his skills give him a different type of advantage.

This film is expertly executed, with all aspects of the film (acting, directing, action sequences) being top notch. But the true anchor of the film is star Rami Malek. He has always brought tremendous talent to all he does, especially in his Oscar winning turn as the great Freddy Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody." This film is no different. He brings genuine heart to his performance. All throughout he shows how lost and alone he is after his loss and how he has nothing else but revenge. A wonderful performance.

Most people enjoy these types of films, I'm assuming. But if you don't, this one is still worth checking out. It features someone who isn't an imposing figure but uses the skills he has to tackle his overall plan. And it's expertly executed. And thanks to Mr. Malek it is filled with heart.