Slow Horses director’s new spy thriller debuts with fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating

The film director James Hawes, known for directing “Slow Horses,” has recently garnered a moderate score on Rotten Tomatoes with his latest project titled “The Amateur.

In the movie, Rami Malek plays a quiet tech whiz employed by the CIA, who ultimately resorts to aggressive retribution after the tragic demise of his spouse.

Just like the character from “Slow Horses”, he may not start off as the most skilled agent, but through intelligence and unyielding tenacity, he manages to exact revenge on those involved.

Currently, as I’m typing this, the movie “The Amateur” is rated at 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 56 reviews. This rating, which represents around 84% positive reviews, just barely meets the criteria to be labeled as “Fresh,” with a mere 8% margin.

Here’s what some of the reviews have said:

Digital Spy – 4/5

Fortunately, “The Amateur” boasts impressive set pieces that help it navigate its somewhat predictable narrative. Instead of relying on gunplay, Heller cleverly utilizes his wit to pursue Sarah’s killers, resulting in nerve-wracking and innovative scenes. While the pool sequence may look familiar from the trailers, some might argue that it is outshone by a thrilling “death by pollen” scene, which is sure to send shivers down the spines of anyone who suffers from hay fever.

RobertEbert.com – 1.5/4

In simpler terms, “The Amateur” imitates successful elements from old spy thrillers without developing its unique flow, character, or individuality. Critics often say it’s ‘style over substance,’ but during my viewing, I yearned for even a hint of the style it lacked so desperately.

Empire – 3/5

Although it occasionally shows potential, it lacks the additional abilities required to escalate its excitement from casual to captivating.

Instead of being an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster, this revenge movie leans more towards a consistent rhythm over intense excitement. It opts for intellect instead of physical fights, but the outcome is merely satisfactory.

Blu-ray.com – 2.5/5

Although “The Amateur” initially promises exciting moments, the narrative fails to fully deliver on its potential. The initial half is engaging, but the subsequent part becomes surprisingly dull. Despite the actors’ efforts to develop their characters and keep them interesting, director James Hawes seems reluctant to introduce excitement. Instead, viewers are left with a confusing blend of motives and supporting characters vying for attention in a film that gradually loses momentum.

TheWrap

The film titled “The Amateur” isn’t a terrible movie, but it doesn’t stand out as exceptional either. It’s decently made and can be enjoyable to watch. However, it’s challenging to think that anyone would take on this project with the intention of making it merely watchable.

In peak condition, Malek exudes a subtle, nuanced performance that lends Charles a sense of depth and intricacy, despite the script not fully supporting him. Meanwhile, it seems like everyone else is just going through the motions.

The Amateur is released in cinemas on April 11.

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2025-04-10 00:19