Atomic Blonde

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The year is 1989.  The film takes place in Berlin amidst the takedown of the Berlin Wall. MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) is sent in to weed out the identity of a traitor within the British government’s mist. Her contact in Berlin is David Percival (James McAvoy). While in Berlin, Broughton begins a sexual relationship with French Agent Delphine Lasalle (Sofia Boutella). The cast is phenomenal. As awesome as Sofia Boutella, John Goodman, and Toby Jones are, Charlize Theron and James McAvoy are the ones who really anchor this movie. Their chemistry is impeccable. McAvoy sells his devil-may-care rogue to perfection. Charlize Theron meanwhile really seems to be interested in becoming the next big female action star (something I am completely and utterly ok with). The action sequences are awesome. They are brutal, stylish, and bloody. Director David Leith of John Wick fame clearly comes to play with this film. The soundtrack is awesome, and often integrated into the story (it’ll usually be the song on the radio in a car or played on a boom box). The artists used include Depeche Mode and Public Enemy (just as a couple of examples). There are a few twists and turns (as one would expect from a spy movie). That isn’t to say this movie is perfect, however. Most of them (not all) actually make sense within the movie. The story of trying to stop the identities of a bunch of spies being sold to the highest bidder is a touch familiar (even if it is done well). Overall, Atomic Blonde overcomes a familiar plot and unnecessary twists with good performances, interesting characters, a cool style, and solid fight sequences.

8 / 10