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Entertainment: The Amateur Movie Review: Despite flaws, this thriller about a rookie spy is riveting

  • Why it is the topic trending:

    • Review of a New Movie Release: The article offers a critical assessment of the thriller "The Amateur," which is relevant for those considering watching the film.

    • Focus on a Rookie Spy Narrative: The review highlights the refreshing aspect of a spy thriller centered on a novice, which deviates from the typical seasoned agent trope.   

    • Discussion of Strengths and Weaknesses: The review provides a balanced perspective, outlining both the commendable aspects and the flaws in the movie's execution.

    • Analysis of Key Elements: The article delves into the characterization, plot, casting, and overall impact of the film.

  • Overview: The article reviews the thriller "The Amateur," directed by James Hawes and starring Rami Malek. The film centers on Charles Heller, a CIA data analyst who seeks revenge after his wife is killed by terrorists, uncovering a rogue CIA mission in the process. The reviewer praises the film for its refreshing take on a rookie spy narrative and the character development, particularly Rami Malek's performance. However, it also points out significant flaws in the screenplay, such as convenient plot developments and a lack of credible threat from the villains, ultimately rating the movie 2.5 out of 5 stars.   

  • Detailed findings:

    • "The Amateur" is a spy thriller directed by James Hawes and starring Rami Malek.   

    • The film introduces a refreshing narrative of a novice spy seeking vengeance.

    • Rami Malek's portrayal of Charles Heller is praised for its emotional depth and believability.

    • The film begins with Charles Heller grieving the loss of his wife, Sarah, who was killed in a terrorist attack.

    • Charles discovers that the terrorists were part of a rogue CIA mission.

    • The film balances emotional depth with thriller elements, largely due to the casting of Rami Malek.   

    • The film avoids melodrama in portraying grief, showing Charles's loss through his actions and expressions.

    • Charles's reliance on his high IQ leads to novel strategies but also convenient plot resolutions.

    • The villains in the film, including CIA deputy director Alex Moore and Caleb Horowitz, are not portrayed as significant threats.

    • A minor subplot involving Charles and an informer, Inquiline Davies (Caitríona Balfe), adds a human element to the story.

    • The reviewer notes that while the film has likable characters and ideas, it suffers from plot holes and a lack of consequences for the protagonist's actions.

    • The film is rated 2.5 out of 5 stars, indicating it has some enjoyable aspects but ultimately falls short of being a fully convincing thriller.

  • Key takeaway: "The Amateur" offers a somewhat engaging spy thriller with strong characterization, particularly Rami Malek's performance as an unlikely vengeful protagonist, but it is ultimately let down by a flawed screenplay with convenient plot resolutions and underwhelming antagonists, preventing it from being a truly compelling film.

  • Main trend: The Exploration of Unconventional Protagonists in Established Genres

  • Description of the trend (please name it): The Reluctant Hero Narrative. This trend describes the increasing popularity of stories within established genres (like spy thrillers, action, or fantasy) that feature protagonists who are not traditionally suited for the heroic role. These characters often lack experience, possess vulnerabilities, or are thrust into extraordinary circumstances, allowing for a fresh and relatable perspective on familiar tropes.

  • What is consumer motivation: Audiences are often drawn to unconventional protagonists because they offer a more human and relatable entry point into the story. These characters' struggles and flaws make them easier to connect with, and their journey of overcoming challenges can be more compelling and inspiring than watching a seemingly invincible hero.

  • What is driving trend:

    • Desire for Fresh Perspectives: After years of established genre conventions, creators are looking for ways to subvert expectations and offer new angles on familiar stories.

    • Relatability: Characters with flaws and limitations can resonate more deeply with viewers who see their own struggles reflected on screen.

    • Character-Driven Storytelling: Focusing on the development and journey of an unlikely hero can lead to richer and more nuanced narratives.

  • What is motivation beyond the trend: Beyond the immediate appeal, audiences might be seeking stories that challenge traditional notions of heroism and explore the idea that ordinary people can rise to extraordinary occasions.

  • Description of consumers article is referring to (what is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle): The review suggests that the refreshing aspect of "The Amateur" lies in its focus on a novice spy. This likely appeals to a broad audience interested in spy thrillers, potentially including those who enjoy seeing familiar genre tropes subverted. The casting of Rami Malek, a well-known actor, could attract a diverse demographic. Specific information about age, gender, income, or lifestyle of the intended audience isn't heavily emphasized in the review.

  • Conclusions: "The Amateur" exemplifies the "Reluctant Hero Narrative" by placing an unassuming data analyst in the role of a spy seeking revenge, offering a departure from the typical portrayal of highly skilled agents in the thriller genre.

  • Implications for brands:

    • Film Studios: Should consider developing stories that feature unconventional protagonists in established genres to offer audiences a fresh and relatable experience.

    • Screenwriters: Can explore the potential of taking ordinary individuals and thrusting them into extraordinary circumstances, highlighting their vulnerabilities and unexpected strengths.   

  • Implication for society: This trend might reflect a broader cultural interest in the idea that heroism can come in unexpected forms and from unlikely individuals.

  • Implications for consumers: Viewers can expect more stories that feature relatable and flawed protagonists in familiar genre settings, offering a different perspective on traditional narratives.

  • Implication for Future: The "Reluctant Hero Narrative" is likely to continue being explored in various genres as storytellers seek to innovate and offer audiences new and engaging perspectives on classic themes.

  • Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): The Underdog Advocate: This trend describes audiences who are drawn to stories featuring characters who are initially at a disadvantage or not traditionally seen as heroes, and who cheer for their journey of overcoming obstacles.

  • Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): The Brains Over Brawn Preference: A specific type of Underdog Advocate who particularly enjoys seeing protagonists who rely on their intelligence, wit, and strategic thinking rather than physical prowess to succeed.

  • Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): Challenging Traditional Archetypes: Society is increasingly interested in stories that move beyond traditional stereotypes and explore more diverse and nuanced portrayals of individuals.   


  • Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The appeal of the underdog narrative is universal across cultures, as it often resonates with themes of resilience and hope.

  • Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Desire for Identification and Empowerment: Audiences often connect with characters who face challenges and strive to overcome them, providing a sense of identification and empowerment.

  • Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):

    • Consider unconventional protagonists: Exploring characters who are not traditionally heroic can add a fresh element to storytelling.

    • Highlight relatable flaws: Characters with vulnerabilities can be more engaging for audiences.

    • Focus on the journey of transformation: Showing how a character overcomes challenges can be a powerful narrative arc.

  • Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):

    • Film studios should support projects that offer unique perspectives on established genres through unconventional protagonists.

    • Marketing campaigns should highlight the relatable and human aspects of these characters.

  • Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article: "The Amateur" utilizes the "Reluctant Hero Narrative" by featuring a data analyst as a spy, offering a fresh perspective on the thriller genre.

  • What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it: In 2025, content creators in film and television should capitalize on "The Reluctant Hero Narrative" by:

    • Developing stories in established genres that feature protagonists who are not traditionally heroic figures, focusing on their unique skills, vulnerabilities, and journeys of transformation.

    • Highlighting the relatable and human aspects of these characters in their narratives and marketing campaigns, allowing audiences to connect with them on a deeper level.

  • Final note:

    • Core Trend: The Reluctant Hero Narrative: Exploration of unconventional protagonists in established genres.

    • Core Strategy: Develop Stories Featuring Flawed but Resilient Characters: Offering fresh perspectives on familiar tropes.

    • Core Industry Trend: Innovation in Genre Storytelling: Seeking new and engaging ways to tell classic stories.

    • Core Consumer Motivation: Desire for Relatability and Inspiration from Underdog Characters: Connecting with heroes who overcome challenges.

    • Final Conclusion: "The Amateur," despite its flaws, demonstrates the potential appeal of the "Reluctant Hero Narrative" in engaging audiences with a different kind of protagonist in a well-known genre, suggesting that this trend of exploring unconventional heroes will likely continue to resonate.

Core Trend Detailed: The Reluctant Hero Narrative

  • Description: The Reluctant Hero Narrative trend describes the increasing popularity of stories within established genres (like spy thrillers, action, or fantasy) that feature protagonists who are not traditionally suited for the heroic role. These characters often lack experience, possess vulnerabilities, or are thrust into extraordinary circumstances, allowing for a fresh and relatable perspective on familiar tropes.

  • Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary): This trend involves stories where the main character is an unlikely hero, often lacking traditional heroic traits or experience. 1    

  • Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary): The movie review of "The Amateur" highlights the refreshing aspect of a spy thriller featuring a novice protagonist, Charles Heller, as a key example of this trend.

  • How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary): Audiences are showing interest in protagonists who are more human and relatable, enjoying the journey of ordinary individuals rising to extraordinary circumstances.

  • Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):

    • For Brands and CPGs: Film studios and screenwriters should consider developing stories with unconventional protagonists in familiar genres.

    • For Retailers: Movie theaters can attract audiences by showcasing films that offer fresh perspectives on classic narratives.

    • For Consumers: Viewers can expect more relatable and diverse heroes in the stories they consume.

  • Strategic Forecast: The "Reluctant Hero Narrative" is likely to continue being explored in various genres as storytellers seek to innovate and offer audiences new and engaging perspectives on classic themes.

  • Final Thought: "The Amateur" utilizes the "Reluctant Hero Narrative" by featuring a data analyst as a spy, offering a fresh perspective on the thriller genre.

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