Here’s a great
idea packaged with a fantastic soundtrack and filled with enough suspense to
keep you glued from the start.
Atomic Blonde is not the best spy film out there, nor is it a great John
Wick replacement—even though both actors were sparring partners during
their training for their respective movies. Keanu Reeves trained for John
Wick: Chapter Two (2017), and Charlize Theron trained for this one. The
two friends had previously worked together in The Devil’s Advocate and Sweet
November.
Atomic Blonde suffers
from bad pacing, a weak script, and very boring interludes between the action
scenes and the interrogation scenes. The interrogation scenes feature the lead
character detailing her mission in 1989 Germany during the collapse of the
Berlin Wall. Her debriefing serves as the visual framework for the entire
movie.
The movie starts
with the introduction and murder of an MI6 agent. The reason for his death is a
list concealed in a wristwatch he was carrying. This list contains the names of
every active secret agent in the Soviet Union.
Lorraine’s
captivating journey to recover the list and end Satchel’s reign leads her to
cross paths with a French spy, Delphine (with whom she has a sexual
relationship), and David Percival (James McAvoy). Percival is a semi-rogue
agent already in Berlin trying to recover the list. His partnership with
Lorraine is topsy-turvy, making it difficult for the viewer to determine
whether he is Satchel or if Satchel is another agent we’re yet to meet—adding
to the suspense.
The movie’s
strongest aspect is its awesome ‘80s soundtrack. This adaptation of Antony
Johnston and Sam Hart’s 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City received
great reviews and performed well at the box office. Charlize Theron’s
performance is something to see, and the fight scenes—along with her solo
one-woman-army character—strongly remind you of John Wick.
The movie
includes a lesbian subplot that isn’t present in the graphic novel, and its
foundation in the film feels shaky. This mediocre addition, along with various
other scripting issues, messes up the movie’s pace and prevents it from
becoming the female John Wick it could have been.
While the movie
is a good watch, it doesn’t leave you craving or looking forward to a second
part.
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