Set in November 1989, this Cold War spy thriller definitely has a pulpy feel to the story. It requires some suspension of disbelief when watching the events unfold, because while there's a noticeably realistic and grounded feel to the movie, there's also quite a bit of isolated detachment to the rest of the world. I suppose that is a common narrative trick when it comes to these hard boiled stories involving people working in the shadows as these spies tend to do. If you can accept that fact, then you're going to like "Atomic Blonde."
First and foremost, Charlize Theron carries this movie effortlessly. That's a great thing, because watching her in the hand to hand action sequences is likely the biggest draw to seeing this film. Those action scenes really are quite something, and I do appreciate that they stuck with a fighting style that isn't too fantastical, and more towards the believable side of things. The painful side of things I might add. To top it off, there are several action sequences that were done in one shot that were mesmerizing to watch. Charlize being an action star and all, she is also great in the very serious spy role. With that said, the action scenes are what you'll remember her for here.
Yes the action is great, but how is the story? It's good and interesting enough to grab your attention. It's not necessarily the most original though, as there is still a lot of the typical spy movie plot tropes here, from secret tricks, double crosses, to the usual gang of bad guys constantly out to kill the protagonists. If I was going to really criticize the movie, it's that the narrative style of telling the story that is used for this, kinda erases some of that tension with Charlize's character. Still the same, you're going to want to see it play out until the end. Plus James McAvoy's wildcard of a character will give you enough reasons to play the guessing game.
As directed by David Leitch; adapting the graphic novel "The Coldest City" by Antony Johnston, "Atomic Blonde" actually follows a methodically paced story, that isn't afraid to slow things down when needed. It's not all balls to the wall action scene after action scene, which that fact might disappoint some people, but at least the content in between the punching and the shooting are well worth your time anyway.
Oh, and the soundtrack that's filled with many songs from the '80s is also quite enjoyable.
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