Directed By: James Hawes
Written By: Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli
Based on the Novel By: Robert Littell
Cinematography: Martin Rhue
Editor: Jonathan Amos
Cast: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani, Julianne Nicholson, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Rachel Brosnahan, Adrian Martinez,
When his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his own hands.
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You probably seen this film before it’s a pretty much a revenge tail where a character seeks revenge for the death or murder of a loved one and at first seems too weak or too meek
Who somehow against all odds starts achieving in getting their revenge, but not always in the way in which they seek or expected .
This could’ve been a random episode of any kind of government series, or even then a full season of a limited series about the same subject in story, which would’ve at least given the film a chance to flash more of the characters out other than the lead and those who are working against him .
The film is pretty average. It stays entertaining and tries to offer some surprises that you might see coming though it’s not quite as action packed as maybe the trailer or storyline might have the audience believe there are action sequences, but they’re nothing phenomenal or breathtaking. They’re fairly average and actually pretty quick so that this plays off more as a dramatic thriller than anything else.
The twist and turns truly do show how smart that the main character is for what he might lack and physical prose, though it doesn’t help that some of the bigger supporting cast names are barely in the film for long periods of time and are severely underused
One can understand why Rami Malek produce this and starting it as most likely there aren’t that many who would see him in this role naturally or as he plays the nerdy parts well the more physical aspects of the role would leave most in question. Which is actually one of the reasons why we might not see Rami Malik in so many films is that he’s hard to cast as he’s wiry physically and has quite a strange look and at times feels tilted and gives meek line readings.
That make him come across as a bit odd or more seeming like a character, actor, pro more eyeball rules, rather than leads or even villains. The film does pack a punch, but it’s not a lethal one. It’s more of a jab that will keep you entertained while watching though probably instantly forget once you’re done. It’s a great popcorn entertainment with a great cast that you wish had more to do.
as he just constantly sit through the film, waiting for all this to build up into something bigger and better or at least more and unfortunately, it doesn’t. It kinda goes out on a whimper rather than an extravaganza.
No, it’s not a lost cause, But it’s nothing to write home about it. Does what it seeks out to do it entertains it makes you think you get caught up with the story and the characters but it’s just not that memorable and considering the cast that is on screen should be better.
Grade: C
Cut To The Chase 