Movie Poster

So, what have I learned after all this time? After all the sleepless nights, lying to friends, lovers, myself? Playing this crooked game in this crooked town filled with backstabbers and four-faced liars? I'll tell you what I've learned. One thing and one thing only. I fucking love Berlin!

Previous David Leitch film reviews:

• John Wick
• Bullet Train

# Review

Based on a comic book, the story follows MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) who is sent to Berlin in order to retrieve a watch that contains the names of all Berlin intelligence agents on both sides of the Cold War. Lorraine is tasked to work with David Percival (James McAvoy), the Berlin bureau chief of MI6, and she is also warned of Satchel, a notorious double agent working for the KGB.

I have a soft spot for Cold War spy thrillers such as le Carré novels and this film scratches the itch. This is Leitch’s first independent director debut; having worked on John Wick as a co-director, I can’t help but compare Leitch’s two films together. Atomic Blonde has the same sleek and violent action scenes as John Wick and the design is very crisp and refined, with an awesome 80s-themed soundtrack. I also like the bleak cinematography with the neo-noir neon lighting. While Atomic Blonde has many of the great features of John Wick, it lacks others, namely the story. I just wasn’t as compelled by the story as John Wick; the pacing of the story is very sporadic and the film is constantly interrupted by the interrogation scenes.

Theron displays great physicality but the script only allows for a one-dimensional character (just like her role in Æon Flux). Her character lacks the depth and intensity of Keanu Reeves' John Wick. The supporting cast, which includes Roland Møller’s ruthless KGB officer, Eddie Marsan’s cerebral Stasi defector, and Sofia Boutella’s rookie French intelligence agent, are all very good. The standout supporting character is definitely McAvoy’s Percival who gave me Tyler Durden from Fight Club impressions.

# Conclusion

A bit of style over substance but it is very stylish indeed.

# Overall rating: 7.6

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