Review of Atomic Blonde (2017) by Drake T — 01 Jan 2018

Atomic Blonde is a visceral action packed espionage fight-fest that utilizes some amazing performances between Mcavoy and Theron. It seems like the spy genre will always have trouble balancing a multilayered plot that's either too basic or too convoluted, and this may be a bit of the latter.

As with most secret intelligence stories there's a "list" that everyone wants to get a hold of. What makes this production really stand out though is the bare-bones action sequences and stylish neon art direction. Watching Theron fight her way from one gritty setting to another is a marvel and deciphering the plot is a treat on the backdrop of Mcavoy's outstanding performance.

I don't think it was exceedingly convoluted and the plot twists actually came in sync with themes of Theron's character if not delivered a little heavy handed. It's just upsetting to see complex spy thrillers get ostracized by a bunch of "I dun get it" folks, while alternatively basic representations of the genre (Captain American: Winter Soldier) get praised.