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The Amateur Action-Thriller on Prime Video

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“The Amateur” Gritty Thrill Ride: A Bourne-Inspired Spy Movie Worth Watching

The latest addition to Prime Video’s library is a gripping action-thriller that draws comparisons to the Jason Bourne movies. While it may not match the quality of the original trilogy, “The Amateur” stands out from its sequels with a unique blend of espionage, revenge, and personal loss.

At its core, “The Amateur” tells the story of Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA decoder driven by grief and obsession to avenge his wife’s murder in a terrorist attack. Using his skills, Charlie embarks on a mission that takes him across the globe, leaving a trail of bodies behind. The movie’s tone is gritty and calculating, reflecting the morally ambiguous world of international espionage.

One of “The Amateur“‘s strengths lies in its balance of action and suspense with emotional depth. Unlike some spy movies that rely on levity or over-the-top stunts, this film takes its subject matter seriously, demanding a similar commitment from its audience. The result is a movie that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking.

“The Amateur” shares a similar DNA with the Bourne series, focusing on espionage, conspiracy, and personal loss. Fans of the franchise will likely find plenty to enjoy in this film, but even those who haven’t followed the series will appreciate its tense action sequences and well-crafted plot. The movie features a strong supporting cast, including Caitríona Balfe as a contact codenamed “Inquiline” and Jon Bernthal as a CIA operative.

Some viewers may find the pacing in the early stages to be slow, particularly during the training section. However, once Charlie begins his mission, the momentum quickly picks up. The movie benefits from its well-crafted plot and tense action sequences, making it a gripping spy action-thriller that’s well worth watching.

As Prime Video continues to expand its library with new titles, “The Amateur” is a welcome addition to the platform’s offerings. Fans of spy movies and action-thrillers will likely find plenty to enjoy here, and even those who haven’t followed the genre closely may appreciate the film’s unique blend of espionage, revenge, and personal loss.

Prime Video has made a significant addition to its library with “The Amateur”. With its unique blend of espionage, revenge, and personal loss, it offers something new for fans of spy movies and action-thrillers. As Prime Video continues to compete with other streaming services, adding titles like “The Amateur” will be crucial in attracting and retaining subscribers.

With a strong cast and well-crafted plot, “The Amateur” is a movie that’s sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans may want to explore more of what Prime Video has to offer, including its upcoming releases and guide to everything new on the platform in July 2026.

Reader Views

  • EK
    Editor K. Wells · editor

    While "The Amateur" effectively channels the gritty spirit of Jason Bourne, I think it's worth noting that its true test will be how well it stands up to multiple viewings. The film's reliance on a single protagonist and relatively straightforward plot may limit its replay value compared to more complex franchises like Bourne or Mission Impossible. Nevertheless, for fans seeking a thrilling yet thought-provoking spy thriller with impressive action sequences and a strong cast, "The Amateur" is certainly worth watching at least once.

  • RJ
    Reporter J. Avery · staff reporter

    The film's greatest challenge lies in convincing audiences that this isn't just another Bourne clone. While "The Amateur" does share similarities with the franchise, its success hinges on Rami Malek's performance carrying the entire narrative. The article glosses over Malek's portrayal of Charlie Heller, but it's a nuanced and complex take on grief-driven obsession that makes or breaks this movie. A stronger focus on his character development would elevate "The Amateur" beyond mere homage to Jason Bourne.

  • CM
    Columnist M. Reid · opinion columnist

    While "The Amateur" effectively captures the gritty essence of the Bourne series, its attempts to delve into emotional depth are somewhat shallow. Charlie Heller's motivations feel more driven by revenge than genuine emotional investment, making it harder to fully connect with his character. The film's pacing issues in the early stages also detract from an otherwise engaging plot, leaving viewers wondering if the movie would have benefited from a more balanced approach between action and introspection.

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