THE PROTÉGÉ (Campbell, 2021)

in

(watched: sat/20220813 via Amazon Prime; directed by Martin Campbell and starring Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson; released 20 August 2021.)

Entertaining-enough diversion courtesy of Campbell, a workhorse of an action director prone to occasional glimpses of brilliance (GOLDENEYE and CASINO ROYALE) and smashing heads through bathroom fixtures though this isn't one of them (brilliance, that is; someone does get smashed through a bathroom sink). Nonetheless, Maggie Q and Michael Keaton shine – Keaton, especially, chewing it up as a charismatic villain, sorta, amidst a mostly incomprehensible plot. Dig the homage to THE BIG SLEEP's sexy bookstore clerk scene only with a deadly assassin as the sexy bookstore clerk. Random thought: Keaton needs to take a turn as Philip Marlow – he'd be perfect. Recommended if you're looking for entertaining, brainless fare featuring solid performances from great actors who deserve better.