Ultra HD Blu-ray Movie Reviews

The Amateur is based on the novel by Robert Littel, and is an espionage thriller, that tells the story of Charlie Heller, a brilliant, but deeply introverted decoder for the CIA, working out of a basement office at headquarters in Langley, whose life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. After pressing his supervisors to, not only take action, but allow him to be a part of the investigation, Heller, played by Rami Malek, discovers that they seem to be reluctant to get to the bottom of who may be involved. Despite their objections, he decides to take matters into his own hands, embarking on a dangerous trek across the globe with his intelligence serving as the ultimate weapon for eluding his pursuers, and achieving his revenge.

I like the espionage genre, and am typically drawn to an underdog story, especially when revenge is a motiving factor. In my opinion, Rami Malek isn't the type of actor capable of portraying a role where there's the style of action/interplay found in a film like this, but given that the character is a codebreaker, I felt that he shouldn't have any trouble pulling it off.

The first thing that struck me were problems with the script, chief among them is that very little time is devoted to connecting the audience with the relationship he shares with his wife. Given the fact that her death is what sets off the story's primary plot, more would have been better. The plausibility factor regarding Charlie's various encounters with, not only those he is targeting, but also the conduct of senior leadership, within the CIA, doesn't hold water. The eyebrow raising, and sometimes eyerolling nature of the unfolding events, continues with each near miss attempt to track him down.

The elements of action are fine but, fell victim to my earlier complaints, seeming like too much of a stretch based on the context of the narrative. There are also too many characters. It watered down the focus, especially those within the CIA that played a role in the proceedings.

I really like the casting however, quality actors like Rachel Brosnahan, Julianne Nicholson, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Stuhlbarg, were given bit parts. Laurence Fishburne had a decent role, but frankly, he's a tad too old for the character he portrayed. Caitriona Balfe was the standout among the supporting players. She made the absolute most of her limited time onscreen, and was great. As for Rami Malek, I never found him credible, not for one instant. As the lead, that's a problem, and one of the film's main shortcomings.

I didn't dislike The Amateur, but given the concept it left me wishing for a better executed script.

The film was derived from 3.4K sources, and finished on a 4K Digital Intermediate, for its rendering on Ultra HD Blu-ray.

This presentation is essentially on par with other new release films of its type, and generally looked good. Predominantly speaking, images are well detailed, with sharp lines, and appreciable dimension. Colors are naturally reproduced via the somewhat limited palette used to represent the settings, and clothing, featured in the story. Flesh tones vary a bit, with some appearing warm, and lifelike, while others appear sullen, with pallid characteristics.

Contrast is tamped down, blacks exhibit good dynamic range, and detail in shadowy backgrounds, enhance depth. Dynamic highlights are scant, rarely making compelling use of interstitial black levels offset by vivid bright elements. To be fair, there isn't much call for it given the film's elements, however there are a few occasions where it seemed appropriate. I felt that this Ultra HD rendering was fine but, unremarkable.

The Dolby Atmos mix sound mix is a bit disappointing. This soundtrack has the potential for a busier object-based mix, especially with respect to atmospherics. The sound design's use of audio objects placed in the height channels is limited to music score enhancement, and the occasional discrete object filler. I did like the handling of the rooftop pool sequence but otherwise, no other moments stood out to me during the film. Dialogue is crystal clear, and dynamic range/ bass response is solid, adding thematic emphasis and resonating punch when called upon. I think that this Atmos mix would have benefitted from more active use of audio objects which would have elevated the experience of watching the film.

Bonus features are comprised of five deleted scenes, and four featurettes that go behind-the-scenes to look at the locations, visual effects, music, and conceptual approach, to making the film. A Blu-ray and Digital Code are included.

The Amateur is based on the novel by Robert Littel, and is a mixed bag of an espionage thriller, that is underdone, overlong and, ultimately left me wanting more. Its Ultra HD Blu-ray release features unremarkable 4K video/Dolby Atmos sound, and a fair assortment of extras.

Ralph C. Potts