The Amateur

The Amateur is a frustratingly old-school thriller in which the most modern element is not the top-notch computer hacking that's crucial to its plotline, but focusing its story of a "wife guy."

The most annoying thing about The Amateur is how competent it is.

Some of the script is too clever for its own good – so convoluted that you’re not quite sure where it’s going – but it’s fun and, at times, surprisingly poignant.

It’s a promising pulpy premise, but Malek feels too wan and underpowered in the charisma department to be carrying an action flick.

It would be funny if it weren’t so dull and so strangely played by Malek, an actor who seemingly believes that a complex internal life is best illustrated by hyperactive facial muscles and the blinkless stare of a sullen zombie.

It’s constructed with a breezy sense of confidence.

Overall entertaining with some action setpieces and a great cast

There’s a decent story hiding somewhere in THE AMATEUR, but you’ll need an expert spy to find it.

Now the greatest plot wise but Rami Malek has my attention wherever he is.

This is far from a Bourne-level espionage picture, but there is something satisfying about watching “a pencil pusher” get his revenge.