Fri Jul 18 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:
**Hulu’s “The Amateur” Divides Critics, Enchants Audiences**
**[City, State] -** Hulu’s latest addition, “The Amateur,” is sparking a debate between critics and audiences. The action thriller, starring Rami Malek as CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller, follows his descent into the dangerous world of espionage after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack.
While the film only grossed $96 million and received lukewarm reviews from critics, who called it “lackluster” and “serviceable,” audiences are singing a different tune. “The Amateur” boasts an impressive 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers praising Malek’s performance, the film’s smart plot, and thrilling action.
“The Amateur” draws inspiration from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel and its subsequent film adaptation. The story sees Heller, a desk-bound CIA employee, leveraging his connections and dirt on his boss to seek revenge for his wife’s death. He undergoes training at “The Farm,” overseen by Colonel Robert Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), who questions Heller’s capacity for violence.
The film, despite its familiar plot, delivers solid spy thrills. Some viewers have deemed it a “must-see” and “fantastic,” even requesting a sequel.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Amateur” proves to be an engaging watch for those looking for a bit of excitement.
First Piper 