Review of Atomic Blonde (2017) by James R — 03 Jan 2018

Atomic Blonde wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. It features some really great action sequences, but the story itself is kinda bland and I truthfully didn't find the lead likeable. Sent in the 1980's Atomic Blonde is about a M16 agent named Lorraine (Charlize Theron) who is sent into Berlin to retrieve The List.

The List has the names of agents on both sides (M16 & Russian) and it's imperative it not fall into the wrong hands. Lorraine meets with a fellow operative named Percival (James McAvoy) who helps her get situated in Berlin.

Soon enough Lorraine knows that there's much more to this mission then initially thought. What follows is a pretty simple plotline that kind of throws a twist at the end that sort of kinda makes sense? Anywho, the action is great in this film.

Directed by David Leitch (who co-directed John Wick (2014)) the film definitely has that John Wick feel to the action sequences. Theron does a great job here and isn't a super hero by any means and gets her fair share of a beat down as well.

The action is violent, but well done and easily the best part of this film. I didn't enjoy Theron for the most part though. Lorraine isn't that interesting. We learn little to nothing about her and she remains a mystery the entire film even by the end when things are revealed to be a bigger picture.

...it just doesn't add up too well. McAvoy is actually the best part of this film with the over the top Percival. He has his own agenda, but his character just has a more interesting story overall to him and I enjoyed his scenes.

Overall, a solid little espionage thriller. It wasn't perfect especially plot wise, but I thought it was a decent rental.