The Amateur

It's quite adept... A tribute to "nerd power."

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.

...seemingly foolproof subject matter that’s employed to partially watchable yet mostly underwhelming effect...

The Amateur is a delightful foray into action for Malek. Even better, it’s an unexpectedly tender thriller with sharp action that uses psychological warfare to transcend mediocrity.

An engaging and entertaining action-thriller. A lot of credit is due to Rami Malek.

Unfortunately, because [director James] Hawes presents the action in such a cool, calculating way, and because Malek so internalizes his character’s emotional state, we’re never let in on Charlie’s emotions as he carries out his mission.