Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Who doesn’t want to leave behind a legacy and be succeeded by someone worthy? The Protege takes this story to heart and leads an all-star Cast in a bloody good time, with non-stop action, twists and mystery. The Protege delivers on all fronts and packs a whooping punch of entertainment, sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Movie starts-off 30 years prior with Moody (Samuel L Jackson) saving a young child after a grisly murder and brings them back home with him to make them his protege. Fast0-forward to today and Moody has made Anna (Maggie Q) one of the worldâs best assassins. While a series of events leads to the death of Moody, Anna now dedicates the rest of her life to finding the person responsible for killing her father figure and vows revenge in his name. This is where she meets Rembrandt (Michael Keaton), whose interest in Anna is more than just a typical game and turns more into a fatal attraction. Two killers who are in each otherâs crosshairs, leads to a deadly good time.
The performances in The Protege certainly elevate this high-energy ride deliver the goods. Samuel L Jackson delivers his patent style of bad ass that audiences have come to love and almost expect from his performances, with a certain flare and sheen to it. Maggie Q solidifies herself, yet again, as one of the best action female actors in Hollywood today with being able to absolutely deliver this performance. Moreover, Michael Keaton does such a terrific job of being the over arching villain in The Protege that it would be a welcome surprised to see him do evil turns more often in future projects. The chemistry that is shared between Keaton and Q is also pulpable that brings a different level to their overall performances.
However, with great acting, only so much can be done if a Script and direction does not also match the performances. Thankfully, Drector Martin Campbell and Screenwriter Richard Wenk both excel at the task. The Protege is packed with smooth transitions and flow, with a strong understated Script that allows the performances and action sequences shine throughout. The Protege gives us is a high-octane thrills which its audience will take delight in.
VVS Films release THE PROTEGE in theatres on Friday, August 20, 2021.
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