The Protégé
Lionsgate | Release Date: August 20, 2021
5.5
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 45 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
14
Mixed:
23
Negative:
8
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
TVJerryAug 26, 2021
Even though Micheal Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson are the big names, Maggie Q is the central character, who was rescued as a child during the evacuation of Vietnam by a hired assassin (Jackson continuing his irreverent attitude). Flash forwardEven though Micheal Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson are the big names, Maggie Q is the central character, who was rescued as a child during the evacuation of Vietnam by a hired assassin (Jackson continuing his irreverent attitude). Flash forward 30 years and she’s taken up the killer assignments herself. Of course, the inevitable revenge scenario takes shape without much unusual, except the curious relationship she establishes with Keaton’s character (playing devil-may-care as he does). Director Martin Campbell certainly knows his way around action scenes (he directed 2 James Bonds) and the fights (mostly hand-to-hand) are plentiful and rigorous. Basically, this is a by-the-numbers story, but it’s enjoyably acted and the skirmishes are well-staged.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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2
meeeewAug 26, 2021
Absolute trash that is so dumb and poorly thought out I can't even. It's not worth dignifying with more words, frankly.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
JLuis_001Sep 16, 2021
Martin Campbell may not be making any big movies for the rest of his career, but the guy certainly knows how to put together solid things on the field of action.

This is just a forgettable veterans movie to just pass the time. And byMartin Campbell may not be making any big movies for the rest of his career, but the guy certainly knows how to put together solid things on the field of action.

This is just a forgettable veterans movie to just pass the time.

And by veterans, I don't mean old actors.
Maggie Q is just 42, but she knows her way around the genre.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
dharmaAug 27, 2021
Good old fashioned action film, courtesy of Martin Campbell, the guy behind 2 of the best Bond entries of all time. It's too bad that he was essentially put in 'blockbuster jail' after the failure of The Green Lantern, as he is probably oneGood old fashioned action film, courtesy of Martin Campbell, the guy behind 2 of the best Bond entries of all time. It's too bad that he was essentially put in 'blockbuster jail' after the failure of The Green Lantern, as he is probably one of the best action director around. Of course, you will be saying why the high ratings? Well, it is in the vein of John Wick and the like, but the surprisingly strong characterization made this a robust entry in the genre. This flick solidify the missed opportunity of Maggie Q. She never held a first billing in an American film before despite her stamp in HK cinema. This flick recognize her talents in both acting and action choreography. A surprising turn also by Keaton, a very physical role this one as well, foreshadowing that this 70 year old gentleman is ready to reprise his role as Batman. Kudos of course as always for Sam Jackson, who always provide a certain amount of bad-assery to the proceedings.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
mikyhardAug 29, 2021
Samuel L. Jackson always funny, an unusual Robert Patrick and a gorgeous Maggie Q in a good action movie.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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3
MetacriticOnurAug 27, 2021
bad
[ bad ]

adjective, worse, worst;(Slang) bad·der, bad·dest for 36.
not good in any manner or degree.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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10
HabibiehakimAug 31, 2021
Terrific cast, terrific performance, terrific story, fantastic action, Maggie Q was badass, Jackson was amazing, Keaton was great, The Protégé is a superb revenge movie with a badass women character that delivers everything so well, it'sTerrific cast, terrific performance, terrific story, fantastic action, Maggie Q was badass, Jackson was amazing, Keaton was great, The Protégé is a superb revenge movie with a badass women character that delivers everything so well, it's simply one of the best films of the year, highly recommended.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
TomHugSep 12, 2021
Yes, this movie follows a formula, one well-established by the Bournes, Bonds, Mission Impossibles, etc. But -- the formula here is well-executed and the drama is well-supported by excellent acting. I did not sense an action scene in thisYes, this movie follows a formula, one well-established by the Bournes, Bonds, Mission Impossibles, etc. But -- the formula here is well-executed and the drama is well-supported by excellent acting. I did not sense an action scene in this movie that didn't also move the plot forward organically. The story has some surprises without being preposterous. Maggie Q is very appealing in her portrayal of Anna.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
HealingToolboxOct 10, 2021
Atomic Blonde, meet Atomic Brunette. Relies on too many 1980s ropes to improve on Blonde. Protege writer missed the point of Atomic Blonde: a woman's vulnerability is her greatest superpower. In Blonde this is a sub-theme. Maggie Q isAtomic Blonde, meet Atomic Brunette. Relies on too many 1980s ropes to improve on Blonde. Protege writer missed the point of Atomic Blonde: a woman's vulnerability is her greatest superpower. In Blonde this is a sub-theme. Maggie Q is better at portraying vulnerability that Charlize Theron. Yet here she is asked to wear a James-Bond Michael-Meyers one-note mask showing no emotion. No emotion is not her super power. As other critics said, love the cast; they deserve better.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
shoulderoforionAug 31, 2021
Don't get the low score here, this was pretty much as solid and funny an action movie flying under the radar has any right to be. It was enjoyable from start to finish, and I'm really digging the michael keaton renaissance. If you've got aDon't get the low score here, this was pretty much as solid and funny an action movie flying under the radar has any right to be. It was enjoyable from start to finish, and I'm really digging the michael keaton renaissance. If you've got a couple hours watching this movie a decent way to spend them.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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4
DeralacAug 12, 2022
This is an almost decent action flick with a superb cast. While the acting far exceeds the story, it’s slightly better than most of what’s on these days. Imagine what could have been accomplished had the writing been on par with the acting.This is an almost decent action flick with a superb cast. While the acting far exceeds the story, it’s slightly better than most of what’s on these days. Imagine what could have been accomplished had the writing been on par with the acting. So many shows and movies are horridly written. I just don’t get why studios can’t find any decent writers.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
MargiVAug 29, 2022
Not bad at all

The action was good, a bit unrealistic but it was not that abundant as I expected, but overall, was nice, they all played well and Kudos to Batman and his performance, pretty flexible for an 70 year old.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
Voodoo123Sep 29, 2021
Protege is an okay action thriller with an excellent cast and decent production value. The, ahem, interesting character interactions between keaton and q deserved more exploration IMO. Sadly for the most part, in such an overcrowded genre itProtege is an okay action thriller with an excellent cast and decent production value. The, ahem, interesting character interactions between keaton and q deserved more exploration IMO. Sadly for the most part, in such an overcrowded genre it struggles to find its own unique identity and falls into line with other more mediocre experiences. Still if you're a genre fan then there will be something here for you to enjoy.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
MindurbidnissJul 13, 2022
One of the worst films I've had the displeasure of watching this year. Jackson phoning in a performance as Jackson was actually the highlight, also the visuals were decent. But the nonsense revenge plot never gets you invested and awfulOne of the worst films I've had the displeasure of watching this year. Jackson phoning in a performance as Jackson was actually the highlight, also the visuals were decent. But the nonsense revenge plot never gets you invested and awful dialogue slows it down any time the film actually gets going. It was so bad it doesn't deserve a real review.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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2
Mauro_LanariAug 27, 2021
(Mauro Lanari)
Yet another revenge movie of killer stunt performers with the psychological depth of a shooter: graphically very cute, but eliminating the characterization of the protagonists one can't remember who lives, who dies, who(Mauro Lanari)
Yet another revenge movie of killer stunt performers with the psychological depth of a shooter: graphically very cute, but eliminating the characterization of the protagonists one can't remember who lives, who dies, who survives and for what reason.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Stream2BigScreeAug 27, 2021
It seems like there's a couple new movies every weekend on both streaming platforms and in the theaters. Are we still going to theaters? Last weekend, new releases included an action, thriller assassin movie, The Protégé, which was only inIt seems like there's a couple new movies every weekend on both streaming platforms and in the theaters. Are we still going to theaters? Last weekend, new releases included an action, thriller assassin movie, The Protégé, which was only in theaters. What happens when you kill a well-trained assassin's mentor and then come after her? Well, this movie attempts to show us just that. Here's how it goes.

Martin Campbell, who has directed some films in the James Bond franchise, brings his action/thriller sensibilities to the story of an elite contract killer, Anna (Maggie Q). In The Protégé, Anna seeks to avenge the brutal murder of her mentor and father figure, Moody (Samuel L. Jackson), who is himself an legendary assassin. As Anna investigates the murder and attempts to avoid the same fate as her mentor, she get involved in a game of cat-and-mouse with yet another contract killer (Michael Keaton). Hijinks ensue.

Are you interested in this or do you already know where it's going? It's okay if you do because honestly you do. I actually became pretty bored with this about half way through, which is unfortunate for a movie that's less than 2 hours long. The problem is that the plot goes everywhere you expect it to go. There are also some random twists that are definitely groan-worthy. Therefore, the movie has to rely on the action and the thrilling set pieces to keep your attention - some are good and some are meh.

Luckily, Maggie Q is front and center of The Protégé. Maggie Q commands every frame that she is in. She is a very capable fighter and believable as an contract killer. She has such a likeable presence that it is understandable that you'd stick around throughout this otherwise blah movie. I hope Maggie Q gets the chance to do something better. Samuel L. Jackson does a decent in job in a thankless role. He's Sam Jackson, so there can't be much to complain about as he's a good partner for Maggie Q. I do have problems with Michael Keaton. His casting is both interesting and all wrong for the part and movie. I don't get his character, which is very detrimental to the film overall. Keaton is good for what he's does, but it's random and completely took me out of the movie. It's days later and I'm still rolling my eyes at him.

Ultimately, The Protégé was a disappointing viewing experience. While Maggie Q proves her start power, the boring plot and weird casting choices really drag the movie down. In fact, The Protégé proves that if you've seen one assassin movie, you've seen them all. Unfortunately, this one doesn't do much to set itself apart from the pack. I say this is an only streaming option if you are bored - just one popped kernel.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
geewahNov 24, 2022
A movie that could of been something if somebody could of been bothered writing a story to go with it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
hgerikFeb 12, 2022
The Story is absolutely garbage, Actors and Scenes are finde thought.
.....
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
InjuredDriverJul 20, 2022
This had a few actors I like (Samuel L, Micheal Keaton). I'll be honest, I didn't know who Maggie Q was before seeing this movie. I looked up her filmography and none of her previous roles stood out to me as ones I recognized. That being saidThis had a few actors I like (Samuel L, Micheal Keaton). I'll be honest, I didn't know who Maggie Q was before seeing this movie. I looked up her filmography and none of her previous roles stood out to me as ones I recognized. That being said I thought she did a decent job through most of this movie. The dialogue was for the most part dull, the action and choreography went from serviceable to pretty weak and unbelievable at times. Unfortunately the movie as a whole doesn't have much to elevate it above a fairly average action movie. Might be worth watching once for those action movie and / or female action star die-hards out there, however I'll probably forget about it by tomorrow.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
JohnnygeeJan 28, 2023
I mean the movie had a star studded cast but it felt rushed and the plot was pretty flat. Not a lot of depth to this movie and the only reason I’m giving it a 3 is because Michael Keaton was alright in it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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