Based on the graphic novel ‘The Coldest City’ – which I will most definitely be checking out – and set days before the collapse of the Berlin Wall, ‘Atomic Blonde’ is a feast for sore eyes with a stunning yet unique neon tinged aesthetic and sumptuous action pieces that more than make up for a sketchy plot – which to be honest, goes completely bonkers towards the third and final act.
But who cares?!
Charlize Theron is cold, ruthless and a lean, mean, fighting machine in one of the most enjoyable experiences, in a while – says a lot about what I usually tend to watch! – and stars as an MI6 agent on a mission to recover a list of names failing which, would expose the true identities of spies across international agencies.
Theron’s affinity for the genre is well documented and it’s safe to say she’s started to really come into her own by breathing life into films like ‘Mad Max’ and the recent ‘The Old Guard’, potentially converting them into full blown franchises.
It’s sad but the truth is that this film can and will never be judged on its own merits without being compared to John Wick in some way or the other. Having said that, Theron herself has floated the idea of a crossover of sorts which would delight both sides of the party.
But I digress.
The film is fast, frenetic and you’ll most probably miss a part of the plot if you decide to respond to that text message, but that isn’t to say the film doesn’t have its fair share of faults with dodgy plot lines and an over reliance on action and gore – But hey, we don’t say those things about John Wick now do we? I’m sorry. I had to!
Having said that, this still has a lot going for it in terms of its supporting cast – James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones & Bill Skarsgård – as well as the adrenaline pumping soundtrack which is a joy to listen to during those perfectly choreographed fight sequences.
While we may not get a sequel any time soon – however, there is one in early stages of development – if we ever get a female Bond, Theron’s right at the top of my list.