Review: The Protégé

An Assassin Is Born. Maggie Q, Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson star in “The Protégé.” An action thriller fan, our J.P. reviews the film. Does he like it?

THE PROTEGE
Lionsgate

• Directed by Martin Campbell
• Starring Maggie Q, Michael Keaton & Samuel L. Jackson
• It is rated R with a running time of 109 minutes.

Studio Synopsis:
Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody (Samuel L. Jackson) and trained in the family
business, Anna (Maggie Q) is the world’s most skilled contract killer. But when Moody – the man who was
like a father to her and taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival – is brutally
killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer (Michael Keaton) whose
attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of
a life spent killing will weave themselves ever tighter.

Lionsgate and Millennium Media present, in association with Ingenious Media, a Millennium Media /
Fourteen Films / I Road production, in association with Campbell Grobman Films / Ingenious Media.

J.P.’s Take:
Here in “The Protégé,” she stretches her legs as a deadly assassin, which seems to suit her quite well. Yet, this is a film not so much concerned with its windy twists and turns, as it is with deadly and grueling kills. It’s also a slow burner at first, taking it’s time to build on the character, and the subject matter. You’d find that there is somewhat of a conscious effort to garner sympathy for Anna (Maggie Q), whose trauma has turned to rage over the years. She’s watched her family die by the hands of a street gang, and she seeks revenge on the main baddie who set it all in motion; deciding whether her actions are justifiable or not, will be seen later on in her life.

Like many in this genre “The Protégé” is simply an uber action flick. It’s geared toward those wanting nothing more than a lean mean, thrill machine. For that, it doesn’t disappoint. There is no shortage of blood being spilled, people being battered, bruised and beat down … not to mention the body count in its wake. I will give it credit for the simple fact that this film knows what it’s sketched out to be. What’s odd is there are sometimes dark humor that raises its head and if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss something. Even in down times (the calm before the storm as I call it), you’ll feel an awkward silence in the room. The (ah hem) sexual tension between Anna and Rembrandt (Michael Keaton) is sparky and playful at times as well. The cat and mouse dealings between the two create some oddly witty moments. As my guest viewer put it, it’s like Mr. & and Mrs. Smith all over again. Yes there are elements of that film along with James Bond styled antics, as well as “The Equalizer” (starring Denzel Washington) makes it way in.

I must say that Maggie Q within her character remained laser focused on the purpose. To kill the man responsible for her family being murdered and her trafficked. I’m impressed with Q’s willingness to throw herself in the role. She’s physical and relentless and can be quite amusing. The pacing is certainly conducive to the typical bone crushing action flicks of ole also. I cringed at bone shattering punches, neck stabbings and showers of bullets piercing flesh. There were also panicky moments, like in a scene with Anna being water boarded and tortured by her captures. However, in the midst of the craziness and confusion, I was routing for Anna to come out on top, simply because she’s earned that rage.

Despite there being run of the mill evil doers and henchmen abound, the cast is what made it work. Samuel L. Jackson put on the fatherly figure hat to Anna as Moody Dutton. He’s taken Anna under his wing, training her to be a cunning assassin … and she certainly has the same sassiness as Moody as well. Jackson always impresses and here he’s more of the nonchalant, been there done that ex-military type, although in the plot his background is not truly known to viewers. Michael Keaton was a good choice, I felt, for his cutting wit and delivery as Rembrandt. He’s a sly devil for sure — brainy at times and brutal at another. Robert Patrick takes on a milder role as Billy Boy, a confidant to Anna. It’s a nice change of pace not seeing him as a hard-nosed baddie or top cop. Rounding out the cast are Patrick Malahide, David Rintoul, Ori Pfeffer and Ray Fearson in the roles of Vohl, Edward Hays, Athens and Duquet, respectively. These actors all putting forth a simple but nicely performed effort, while giving the main characters something to play off of.

When the film came to a close, I felt a bit of closure, unlike with other action flicks that boast more flash and dash than substance. I also felt as though I watching a graphic novel turned cinematic universe with it cliff hanger ending. “The Protégé” gave me the impression that Anna will return in another wild adventure. Honestly I’m hoping so. I must applaud Maggie Q and her castmates for putting on a satisfying spectacle.