Review of Atomic Blonde (2017) by Troy C — 06 Aug 2017

This ultra-violent action-fest is not going to be everybody's cup of tea. Its style over substance approach and ballsy visual design could turn off some viewers, for others it's exactly what will make this one of the most memorable films of 2017.

Set largely in 1989 Berlin, the week leading up to the wall coming down to be exact, there's a simmering tension permeating throughout that creates a ticking time bomb atmosphere where anything is possible.

.. as long as it's backed by a cracking 80s tune. The spy vs spy plot (based on graphic novel series 'The Coldest City') catapults our eponymous kick-arse heroine (Charlize Theron) through a chain of brutal, bruising and bone-snapping melees as she seeks to uncover the identity of a double agent.

Director David Leitch unsurprisingly comes from an action background-having plied his business in the stunts department for over 20 years-and his expertise is on full display in the plethora of set pieces unleashed in this movie.

Every action sequence provides its own memorable moments; a frenetic car-set fight is an utter adrenaline rush, a hyper-real krav maga brawl complete with bungie jump is electrifyingly manic, and a John Woo-esque pistol face-off is viciously balletic.

And then there is the jewel in the already impressive crown: a wildly savage and insanely long showdown presented as a single extended take, albeit in reality a collection of takes cleverly edited together to create the finest action sequence committed to film this year.

The ambition it took to capture such a lengthy set piece, with an A-list star at the centre no less, is mind-boggling on its own. The fact Leitch was able to execute it with such ferocity and flair is testament to the ridiculous skill the debut director, and his leading lady, possess.

This tour de force performance paired with her virtuoso turn in Mad Max: Fury Road has placed Theron daylights ahead of the pack in the female action star realm. Hell, just the action star realm in general.

Many of her male counterparts wish they were as dynamic and charismatic as Theron. A breathtaking rollercoaster ride, Atomic Blonde is a pure cinematic masterpiece; it thrills, it delights, and it shows you one hell of a time.