| Table of Reviews |
|---|
The Amateur – Review
The Amateur – Budget of $60 million – 2 hours and 3 minutes
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Digital | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
Sarah walks to the garage to spend quality time with her husband, Charlie, before her business trip. She will spend five days in London. Charlie states how much he will miss her, and she invites Charlie to tag along. He says no because he has to work, too. Charlie works for the CIA in the Decryption and Analysis department. His contacts send him top-secret information. Then, Charlie reports that information to operatives on the ground. Charlie sees Sarah off before going to work.
Charlie walks to his desk and gets an encrypted message from Inquiline. Inquiline sends Charlie several files. They prove that Charlie’s boss, CIA Director Alex Moore, falsifies drone strikes as suicide bombings to hide their political influence. Charlie is unsure what to do with the information and goes home.
Charlie arrives at work and sees colleagues at his desk. Alex approaches Charlie and asks if he’s seen the news. Charlie doesn’t watch it because they are all unfair. Charlie worries as he enters Alex’s office. Alex and CIA Director Samantha O’Brien have distressing news for Charlie. There was a terror attack in London, and a terrorist killed Sarah. Charlie breaks down and returns home to a slew of reporters.
Charlie comes to work the next day and surprises everyone. He researched all night and uncovered the four assailants: Mishka Blazhic, Ellish, Gretchen Frank, and Horst Schiller. Horst, the most elusive, killed Sarah. Charlie shows Alex and CIA Supervisor Caleb, and they are not shocked. They knew who murdered Sarah and wanted to use it for leverage against other countries. This explanation isn’t enough for Charlie. He wants revenge. Charlie demands field training, cash, and a new identity so he can eliminate Sarah’s killers. Caleb and Alex laugh and reject Charlie’s offer. Then, Charlie gives Alex the documents proving Alex’s corruption. He warns Alex that the documents are attached to a dead man’s switch. If Charlie doesn’t enter a code every 5 hours, the information will leak to the media and the public. They tell Charlie to report to Henderson at the training facility. Henderson will prepare Charlie for his tasks, but Alex wants Charlie to become a victim. Can Charlie get his revenge before Alex silences him?
Based on The Amateur: A Novel of Revenge by Robert Littell, this globe-trotting revenge plot pits brain against brawn (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Charlie has an affinity for field work but doesn’t possess the strength or callousness. However, he uses his skills and knowledge to stay one step ahead. This film doesn’t have a training montage that makes Charlie a fighting machine overnight. The script allows everyday conversation to be funny and insightful. And it proves that the most dangerous people have nothing to lose. The graphics are gritty but not shocking or overly bloody. Charlie is a man who stays on task. The trailers promise a high-octane story. However, the writing contains several lulls and an unnecessary ‘will they, won’t they’ aspect. It makes Charlie’s love and need for revenge feel hollow. This movie could become the first installment with a better screenplay writer to add more action and less fluff. Viewers should see this picture in theaters, but you won’t want to buy it.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I’m overestimating your odds to boost your confidence – Henderson
You said what he said, only nicer – Charlie
Mr. Heller bugging a CIA officer is treason – Alex
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Digital | |||
|
|
|
|
Warfare – Review
Warfare – Budget of $20 million – 1 hour and 35 minutes
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Not Available Yet |
|
|
| Digital | |||
|
|
|
|
A U.S. Navy SEAL team enters a home in Ramadi, and translators Farid and Noor secure the family living inside. The team walks upstairs and sees it’s blocked. The family says the home is two apartments with two families. They break through the concrete divider and bring the other family downstairs. The team sets up camp in the house and monitors the market across the street for suspicious activity.
In the morning, the team views a lookout on the roof across the street. Then, Ray and Elliot see increased activity and guns but can’t get a clear shot. As they report their findings, someone throws a grenade into the window. The team gets out before the explosion, but their position is compromised. They are under heavy attack and must get out. They call over the radio for a Bradley and wait. The Bradley arrives, and the team sends the translators first. The team joins them, and an IED detonates. One of the translators is gravely wounded, while Sam and Elliot are severely injured. The Bradley leaves after taking heavy fire. The team radios for two Bradleys and an extraction team to help Sam and Elliot. It will take 10 minutes. It will be the longest 10 minutes of their life.
Whew! Based on the team’s memories, this movie covers a gruesome battle in a warzone. The film feels slow and tedious as this young team carries out their mission. They play pranks and make fun of each other. Then, hell comes to them. The graphics department didn’t spare any horrific detail. The audience sees blood, guts, and dismemberment. You will feel their confused state when they awaken after the IED. They can only hear their breathing. Some of the team members admit they aren’t okay. The viewer can see the moment their world changed. This film should have a trigger warning for anyone with war-related PTSD. You will also see images of some of the team during the end credits. The action makes this movie worth the ‘big screen’ price, but one viewing is enough.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Who is it – Sam
| Blu-rayTM | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Not Available Yet |
|
|
| Digital | |||
|
|
|
|
thatdarngirlmovie.reviews 