The bit that generally drives a film like this-you know, when the steely lead finally faces their demons-feels almost coincidental, leaving it no room to resonate. Sure there is a little more to the story. Who killed one of her own friends for tying up loose ends. Its one of those assassin like films where the story is about an assassin going after a group of bad guys. This thing swings back and forth between buddy picture and revenge fantasy, international espionage thriller and romance. The Protege is a fair action thriller film that has some entertaining action. Perhaps this is why Campbell struggles so mightily with tone. Instead, it stitches together ideas from a smattering of other films with little concern for coherence. His script, by action veteran Richard Wenk ( The Equalizer), can’t tie character motivation to mystery elements to location or conflict. The Protg isn’t trying to be anything more than slick, escapist action fare, but when you have the star power of the lead trio, a terrific supporting cast and what appears to be a sizable enough budget, it’s not too much to ask for a little something in the way of a cohesive script. Luckily, he’s in a lot of them, so he elevates most of the film.Ĭampbell ( Casino Royale) stages capable though uninspired action sequences. His talent, charisma, easy charm and natural good humor elevate every scene. who has spent eight years working his way up to become protege to a major crime figure finds himself becoming ever more embroiled. Jackson) are targeted by a mysterious organization in The. An elite assassin (Maggie Q) and her mentor (Samuel L. That works in almost every other movie, and it works just as well here.īut the real shining treasure in The Protégé is Michael Keaton. The Protege Review: A Veteran Cast & Skilled Direction Lift Midrange Actioner.
How is he? Well, he’s, you know, Sam Jackson. Anna’s mission this time is personal, natch, and her soft spot comes from her mentor, played by Samuel L. Maggie Q is protégé assassin Anna, and while her inner conflict never breaks the surface, Q convinces as she moves bewigged from one set piece to the next. This also sounds a lot like Campbell’s latest, although it would be more forgivable if the action stood out enough that you could overlook the shortcomings in story.
Martin Campbell’s The Protégé delivers on both fronts.Īnd yes, in these films story often takes a backseat to fight choreography, writing rides shotgun to action. For one of those hired assassin thrillers to work, it helps to have a convincing lead who has chemistry with the bad guy.
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