Mini-Review: Atomic Blonde (2017)

My Review:

No one could ever say that Atomic Blonde doesn't entertain. If all you want is to spent an enjoyable evening at the movies and don't mind a bit of violence and ass-kicking, then by all means give Atomic Blond a shot. Chances you're going to have a good time. 

Set in the days leading up to the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, the film depicts the struggles of MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) to recover a microfilm containing the names of all active agents in Eastern Europe. A rather interesting premise. What follows is an action packed spy thriller that is both visually astounding and expertly directed.  The moment that stood out was a long continuous take of a fight scene (inspired by Oldboy maybe?) of Lorraine kicking, punching, shooting, and stabbing her way out of a building as she tries to escape to the west with her 'package.' 

The most unforgivable sin that Atomic Blond omits is that it lets us know its potential. The movie that  could have been instead of what we got. The Eastern Berlin setting falls quickly in the background. It becomes trivial and the several attempts to bring it back to the foreground do nothing more than enforce its triviality. Really, this could have been any old action spy story, and it plays as one. Furthermore, the plot is needlessly complicated, including an ending riddled with a rapid-fire of somewhat tiresome twists and cheap shocks for the audience. We've seen it all before, and we don't need to see it again. The film doesn't quite know what it wants to be: it unsuccessfully walks the line between a Bond-like action spy story and a darker cold war character thriller. This is reflected in the pacing and editing. While there was no lack of talent in front and behind the camera, the script needed some polishing. 

Nevertheless, I still managed to enjoy the film. No doubt some of the best action I've seen all year, and Charlize Theron did pretty good job with Lorraine. 

Score: 6/10


Title: Atomic Blonde
Writer(s): Kurt Johnstad (screeenplay)
Based on: "The coldest city" (graphic novel) by Antony Johnston and Sam Hart
Director: David Leitch
Main Cast:
Charlize Theron
James McAvoy
John Goodman
Til Schweiger
Sofia Boutella
Toby Jones

Release Date: 28 July 2017 (US)
Running Time: 115 minutes