With the film release market filled with spy/hitman/assassin thrillers, along comes The Protégé. Having seen most of the films of the genre, this action drama reminded me a lot of the John Wick franchise. Taking it to another level however, Director Martin Campbell works his actors to the bone and it pays off with some of the wildest shootouts, realistic stunts, excellent fighting choreography and explosive energy both physical and special effects wise.
In Saigon Vietnam hired assassin Moody (Samuel L. Jackson) comes upon an apartment where he rescues young Anna from a grisly death scene. The film jumps ahead 30 years and we find Anna (Maggie Q) has joined Moody as his back-up. Now considered a world class contract slayer, her reputation has been noticed by those who use her kind of work, including the wealthy arms dealer Vohl (Patrick Malahide). But, Moody has other plans for Anna and they may even include Vohl as her target.
The film gets really encompassing with several situations that find both Anna and Moody caught in a crossfire and barley escaping alive. Director Martin Campbell who helmed some of my favorite action films like a couple of James Bond thrillers and No Escape, takes the script and does what he knows best. He delivers some of the best action performances out of his central cast and smartly gives Maggie Q the starring role.
And Maggie Q kicks butt as Anna taking down a movie full of adversaries with some very exciting hand to hand combat. I’ve seen many excellent female protagonists, and Maggie can stand toe to toe with the best. She makes the film work together with Samuel L. Jackson who also rises to the occasion.
Michael Keaton who plays the assassin Rembrandt, ramps up the action as friend and foe. Showing up at the worse time for Anna, he gets a kick out of the lethal fighter as she dazzles with her ability to get in and out of a tight situation. Keaton’s had many combative workouts as he’s one of my favorite Batman characters, also take note of Keaton as Peter McCabe in Desperate Measures and the co-star of American Assassin. His next film is a return to the Batman costume for The Flash in 2022.
The Protégé has been rated R by the MPAA for strong and bloody violence, language, some sexual references and brief nudity. A very good film for Action junkies and those that like a gorgeous and feisty female hero.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Michael Keaton, Maggie Q, and Samuel L. Jackson, with Robert Patrick
Directed by: Martin Campbell
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for strong and bloody violence, language, some sexual references and brief nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 49 min.
Opening Date: August 20, 2021
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released in: Theaters
