Writer: Erny Suzira

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “John Wick”

The Good, the Bad and the Jane Wick:

Charlize Theron's new action thriller is basically the female version of Keanu Reeves' "John Wick", which isn't a surprise considering that the two movies are from the same director.

Many may want to watch the movie due to the presence of Charlize Theron alone, but most will be stunned with the impressively choreographed action stunts and fighting sequences which are both intense and brutal, and not to mention so expertly staged.

The movie joins other kick-ass female-fronted action movies from recent years like Angelina Jolie's "Salt" and Scarlett Johansson's "Lucy", and yet it makes the former two movies look tame.

A seductively chic story set to a fantastic 80s soundtrack, with Charlize Theron slaying her role as well as a whole bunch of bad guys, proving that she is one of the best female modern action heroes, comparable to Gal Gadot's "Wonder Woman".

Theron has always had a powerful presence on screen, her dominance is undeniable and her delivery is elegant and powerful, making the movie one thrilling ride from start to finish.

James McAvoy is great in his own way, a classic douche-y character that you just love to hate, but the one with a surprisingly good performance is Sofia Boutella, who didn't really have a lot of screen time, but her scenes are crucial for Theron's character development and the story progress.

"Atomic Blonde" is the feminist answer to all the misogynist action movies we have seen in the last few decades including the "James Bond" and "Bourne Identity" series. However, while the movie is a great action movie, it does contain a few structural flaws.

For starters, the film seemed to have a bit of a pacing problem as it takes time to develop the story though it's not exactly tedious, but it causes the last act to seem a bit overstuffed, making it a bit hard to follow as there's just so much to take in.

"Atomic Blonde" is an enjoyable movie with slightly predictable but great twists. The action, performances, camera-work, directing, violence all worked really well together, and despite the minor downside, the film itself is a daring step forward for the spy thriller genre.

Trivia:

• Charlize Theron cracked two teeth while filming.

• Theron also had eight personal trainers including Keanu Reeves to help her master her intensely physical performance.


Cinema Online, 24 July 2017