The Protege (2021) movie review

There are a few genres that when recommended to me I’ll watch, even if it has low ratings. Movies about vigilantes and assassins are two examples. Thankfully The Protege was pretty well received by critics and even more so by audiences.

On a bit of a side note, if you have any type of surround sound system, this one will give it quite the workout! I was deeply immersed in the story to begin with, but the audio took it to another level.

Actors

Although Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Keaton have plenty of screen time in supporting roles, this is primarily a Maggie Q vehicle, and she delivers in a big way. She does an excellent job of blending charisma and smarts with a physical element that translates well to the big screen.

Speaking of athletic, Michael Keaton is the Tom Brady of acting. Just as Brady is still winning Super Bowls well into his 40s (and trust me, it is hard for me to admit that as a diehard Buffalo Bills fan! #BillsMafia), Keaton can still move effectively even at age 70. You can usually tell when a director is using camera angles and relying more heavily on body doubles/stunt professionals in order to mask an aging star’s declining abilities, but Keaton is in full frame during a fair portion of his fighting scenes, which I find very impressive.

The Movie Itself

When you think about how many action films there have been over the last four decades, it seems a tall task to still come up with ideas that feel fresh and unique. Although the overall arc of The Protege is nothing new, the dialogue and action felt fresh. Right around the midway point, there is a dinner scene with Keaton and Q that was a highlight for me. Additionally, even though Keaton is one of the baddies, he had one or two moments where his razor sharp delivery adds a touch of lighthearted comedy. The contrast between that element and the more intense tone was one of the reasons why I enjoyed his character and give this one higher marks. 

Whether you’re in the mood for some vigilante assassin action amidst some very cool Vietnam-at-night scenery, or you just want to spend a little more time with Keaton and Jackson in the twilight of their careers, this one delivers. 

Score: 8.2/10

Starring: Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson

Suggested by: @Stuart0415

Oh, I almost forgot…let’s check in with Chris and see what he thinks! So Chris, have you had a chance to check this one out? What did you think? 

Chris’ Response on The Protege

I love movies with pinball and pizza. That combination is a guaranteed 10/10, as proven in your review of Licorice Pizza. Without either of those components, I have to give this film a 0/10 for another movie I’ve never seen.