Review of American Ultra (2015) by Kc G — 07 Jan 2016

Just saw American Ultra and it was awesome!!!! It walked the line between realistic and comicbook action expertly!

It used R rated language, just so if anyone reading this knows, but it is not one of those movies that depends on it; it felt more like a spice to the scene than a main ingredient. It didn't need it but with everything the caricatures go through in the story, absolutely no profanity would leave kea scenes feeling like they are missing something.

With the action scenes they put you in the shoes of the main caricature, Mike Howell (Jesse Esienberg) as he fights the assassins hell bent on killing him with extreme training he doesn't know he has. He is deadly accurate yet strung out on illegal substances and the action scenes feel like that; fast and stumbling, yet are clear and well paced, as well as super funny.

The performances are fun and realistic, especially Esienberg, who seems like he's playing himself, or a heightened version of himself. That may in fact be the case, and, if so, who cares? It works! That may also be said for Kristen Stewart, who plays a strong, cool, one-of-the-bros type, while still being the beautiful love interest. In fact, the same could be said of all the actors. Which means, either they were perfectly cast, or all added up to the job.

Worth the watch if watching the use of illegal substances and profane language doesn't bother you. If you like The Bourne Identity and Adventure Land, than this movie which combines the two just might be the perfect film for you.