Before I move on and this review becomes strictly a gush-fest about Charlize Theron--something of which I'm no stranger to participating (nor have shame about doing so)--it should be noted that the movie as a whole isn't quite what I was hoping it would be. It was better than I could have wanted in some ways, but lackluster in others
One of my primary issues was John Goodman's performance. This is a Golden-Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated actor we're talking about, who is no stranger to diversely impressive performances. For instance, I particularly enjoyed him in The Gambler and 10 Cloverfield Lane. Needless to say, my excitement for Atomic Blonde came, in part, with the understanding that John Goodman would have an intimate role; something the trailers fooled us into believing. Not only was this not the case, but his role could have been played by anyone. His dialogue, delivery, and particularly lack of screen-time put such a great name to such a rudimentary role. Such a shame. I mean, on the day of Don Corleone's daughter's wedding, you don't ask him if you can take some cake home.
Second, the narrative was unnecessarily convoluted and shallow. Not to say an in-depth and thought-provoking narrative is the reason you go to see an action movie, but a lackluster script can turn what could be the greatest action movie of the decade into another Michael-Bay-like disaster. In the same light, the plot was unclear and hinged on a "twist" that would prove to not only bore audiences, but disappoint them. Granted, a successful twist is hard to pull off. Plot-twists can't all be like those found in The Sixth Sense, Shutter Island, or The Usual Suspects. However, if a plot twist is to be found, it should, to the very least, be worthy of the name.
It may sound like I'm trying to tear apart this movie, but that is not the case. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed myself while watching it. But it is fair to mention the flaws found within it and refrain from becoming a total fan boy. Ergo, my recommendation to see Atomic Blonde comes not from the script or plot, but from the unbelievably entertaining action sequences that frequent the film.
The fact remains that I have nothing but the tip of my hat to Charlize Theron's performance. She gave us good reason to consider her to be one of the greatest actors of this era. Whether she was delivering dialogue perfectly, striking fear with nothing more than a cut-throat facial expression, or utterly demolishing numerous token bad guys, she completely stole every scene. All the more reason to be grateful she was in almost all of them. As an added bonus, she performed her owns stunts in a tremendous manner. Step aside, Jackie Chan and Tom Cruise. Whether it be gun violence or hand-to-hand combat (weapon or no), the choreography and cinematography of all the fight scenes were both imaginative and undoubtedly enjoyable. Furthermore, several fight sequences were shot with a long take, which adds to the realism and impressiveness of the scene, and is a cinematographic method that I would love to see become the norm.
Indeed, Atomic Blonde brings the most refreshingly realistic and appropriately violent combat sequences that could be expected from a 2017 spy film. All-in-all, I'd give this movie a solid 78%, deeming it
Theater Worthy
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