Plot: What’s it about?
Ah, the spy movie. I have no idea how many spies there are in the world, but I’d have to assume it’s enough to necessitate the copious amounts of films we have depicting them. That or Hollywood simply thinks that every spy movie is James Bond and that audiences will flock to see it. Based on the rather lackluster performance of The Amateur at the box office, however, I’d think that this might be incorrect. Nevertheless, for every Jason Bourne or the aforementioned James Bond, we’ve got a litany of spy movies. This begs the question: do we need them? Of course not. Do we need many things in life? I think we know the answer to that question. Regardless, we’ve got “Oscar Winner” Rami Malek along with seasoned veteran actor Lawrence Fishburne in, you guessed it, a spy movie. Is this the missing link or something that we should pass on. Let us find out.
Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name we meet Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) a brilliant yet introverted CIA cryptographer in Langley. While restoring an old Cessna given to him by his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), his world is shattered when she’s killed in a terrorist attack during a business trip to London. Grieving and unsatisfied by the CIA’s inaction, Charlie discovers that his boss, Deputy Director Alex Moore, authorized covert drone strikes—and then covered them up as terrorist bombings. Threatening to expose these operations, Charlie coerces the agency into training him as a field operative, with grizzled veteran Robert “Hendo” Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) serving as his reluctant mentor. Charlie soon goes rogue, hunting down each of the four terrorists responsible. Along the way, Charlie is aided by his anonymous informant “Inquiline”. Things go downhill from there.
I was reminded of another film of this same genre, The Accountant,and its sequel that came out eerily close to this one. Is there a quota of spy movies that must be made in any given year? I think there might be. Given that the source material is over four decades old, this one doesn’t feel like a modern-day film we’re exposed to. Rather this has more of a Jason Bourne vibe to it. Malek and Fishburne are both capable enough actors that their skills aren’t the issue. And I get that the “geek who wants to avenge his wife’s death” is a hook, but I found it a bit cliche. Sue me. Don’t get me wrong, the film isn’t a total waste of time, but it’s so “been there, done that” that if you’re to view this, just go with what works instead.
Video: How’s it look?
As if we’d expect anything different, the firm arrives with a clean, modern transfer. Detail and clarity are excellent, with sharp depth and no softness. Blacks are deep, colors are intentionally muted, and skin tones are natural. Motion is smooth, focus is consistent, and the disc is free of noise or artifacts. In essence, it’s everything that we’d know/hope/expect of a new-to-the-format movie. It delivers on all levels and leaves the viewer not wanting much, if any, more.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Likewise the Dolby Atmos mix pulls no punches and is consistent with a film of this genre. Things blow up, tires screech, guns are fired and the soundtrack is upbeat and tense. Vocals pose no threat either, with crisp sharp dialogue throughout. Lawrence Fishburne’s deep, commanding voice is front and center from beginning to end. Surrounds are constantly churning out some effect making for a very active and nice mix.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Team – Join the cast and crew as they reflect on what drew them to this bold project. Rami Malek shares his dual experience as both actor and producer. Director James Hawes and others discuss how the script blends emotional depth and high-stakes action.
- The World – Explore how the film’s production combined real-world locations with intricate set designs to create a visually stunning and immersive world, from the shadowy halls of CIA headquarters to the bustling streets of Europe.
- The Pool – Go behind the scenes as the talented creative team uncovers how Charlie’s ingenious plan involving the sky pool was conceived, planned and executed, blending practical effects and cutting-edge technology to deliver a show-stopping moment.
- The Score – Listen in as the composer and director talk about the challenges of creating the score’s various themes — and using unusual instruments and techniques — to bring emotion and drama to this unique thriller.
- Deleted Scenes
- Sarah Wonders How Charlie Can Trust His CIA Bosses
- Henderson Blasts Heller for Failing a Training Exercise
- Heller Tracks Gretchen Through Paris
- A Third Assassin Chases Heller Through the Hotel Basement
- Heller Asks Inquiline Some Personal Questions
The Bottom Line
There was nothing particularly wrong with the film, nor was there anything memorable. I was browsing through reviews of the same genre on this site and came across two I’d totally forgotten about: The 355 and The Contractor. I’m guessing in a year or so I’ll have forgotten about this one as well.
