Review of American Ultra (2015) by Thequietgamer — 02 Jun 2016

It's a movie that feels like an exciting adaption of limited series comic book. Heck, it feels more like a comic book movie than most actual comic book movies. Marvel and DC could learn a lot from "American Ultra" as far as capturing the feeling of a comic panel onscreen. The best part? It's all a completely original idea!

Director Nima Nourizadeh is able to nail every aspect necessary to bring his and writer Max Landis' vision to life. The humor, the heart, the action, and the plot are simply amazing. It's not really what you would expect going into it. It's deep, sweet, violent, and weirdly emotional. The twists and turns are gripping, the characters are lovable, and the romance is real. It nails every aspect required to keep you invested and entertained.

Speaking of the characters, the cast is phenomenal. Eisenberg plays an oddball character unlike anything he's done before. It can easily stand out as one of his best portrayals/characters. However the real star here is a real shocker. It's Kirsten Stewart! Who knew she could act this well? Her chemistry with Eisenberg add the needed emotion and weight to the romance which ends up being so integral to the whole thing. The rest of the cast is just as amazing, also giving some of their best performances. Topher Grace even makes for an excellent villain.

It's just an all around masterpiece. One where all of the ideas click and everything comes together to create some even more incredible than the sum of it's parts. It's a goofy, violent, funny mess with a surprising heart and romance to it. It really is like a comic book brought to life, all vibrant and exciting. Truly like reading panels, only those panels are moving and fully voiced.Turns out that one of the best comic book movies I've ever seen isn't even an actual comic book movie. American Ultra is a masterpiece and I can't recommend it enough. Truly some of the most enjoyable entertainment I have ever partaken in.