So, I saw Atomic Blonde last week. You know of the film?
Starrin’ Charlize Theron?
Yeah – I, personally, am in love with this movie. I’ve already seen it twice. And am thinkin’ bout seein’ it ‘gain.
You do know the story, right?
If not – here’s the quick rundown – Charlize is a spy and she has to find a list that is super valuable to the government. Along the way there a whole lot of twists n’ turns, a bunch of action, an’ even a lil’ romance. Oh, an’ it’s set in the 80s with 80s music attached. (one of my favorite musical periods).
Few movies have me leavin’ the theatre, thinkin’ bout it well into the night. But this one made think bout the cool scenes, music and the action (OMG! The action was so good).
If you didn’t know the director – David Leitch – who helped direct the two John Wick movies (which I’m in love with too, probably end up talikin’ bout that too).
Anyway, the action scenes are awesome! There bloody, well paced, and super engagin’. It feels like you’re watchin’ the old hong kong flicks – where the choreography is the definin’ characteristic of films. This director has a passion for action an’ it really shows. A whole lot.
The next definin’ characteristic was the music. All 80’s pop. The best era, period! The movie would even play with the sound an’ volume, where it would go in an’ out through scene. This was cool cause it made you feel very immersed in the experience. Addin’ to the down to earth quality the film already has.
And throughout, the second viewin’ of it – keep shazamin’ songs for later, cause there were some that me – a 80’s music buff – didn’t know. At all. Surprisingly.
So Good!
To go with the 80’s music, the film had a 80’s look too.
The costume design had throw backs to 80’s hip hop culture. Even the titles had a 80’s graffiti look (awesome!)
A lot of the places were dark, dingy, an’ cold. But other places were really well it with neon lights. And the neon lights bounced of Charlize’s skin tone, perfectly. Leitch has a nice visual eye. Really nice.
While in love with this film, it’s not all super good.
As an writer, the story – the final version on screen – is okay. It’s a basic spy story. With double crossin’ abound. And if you’re confused bout a certain double cross, the movie tells you in the next scene or too.
Personally, I’m not gonna judge the writin’ too harshly cause it’s an action flick as heart (they’re not known for the greatest plots). And – straight up – writin’ is hard, hard, hard!
But – I do gotta say – the dialogue was cool. It was laconic, dead. Which went with the bleak tone, perfectly.
Oh – I almost forgot – the lead, Charlize!
She was awesome. And super down to earth. And didn’t feel super overpowered like other action stars like Arnold in Commando.
She got beat up, bloody, bruised.
When she was sad, you felt it.
When she was angry, you felt it.
When she was emotionless, you felt jack.
A plus performance. Pretty much the whole cast was dope too…
… All in all, I was very impressed with this movie. I thought it was gonna be good. And it was.
You should definitely go see this if you like action, guns, 80’s music, and/or neon lights!
It won’t disappoint.
Later,
Jamual.
Jamual Writes. 