Directed By: David Leitch
Written By: Kurt Johnstad
Based on the Graphic Novel “THE COLDEST CITY” By: Antony Jonhston & Sam Hart Cinematography By: Jonathan Sela
Editor: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir
Cast: Charlize Theron, Sofia Boutella, James McAvoy, Toby Jones, John Goodman, Eddie Marsan, James Faulkner, Til Schweiger, Bill Skarsgard
The crown jewel of Her Majesty's Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.
I actually really liked this film. Smarter than a JOHN WICK films but not as devoted as that film is to it's Action oriented cliches age. This film is a slave to it's 80's style but a lot of fun and a kick ass female action hero. Though has more to work with when it comes to story and substance. Even if it fails to create it’s Own world. It still is Definitely one of the more enjoyable summer films.
This could easily be a franchise. One that loans itself more than some other films, but also works as a one off.
There is so much neon in the film that somewhere I believe director Nicolas Winding Refn (DRIVE, NEON DEMON) was jealous watching this.
It's an espionage film that includes memorable action sequences throughout. The film while being a spy film has it’s own design and plays by it's own rules. No damsel in distress feature nor does she have to depend on any man coming to save her.
Nice to see a more female oriented action film. Where the film and the character are just so cool, but also skilled, talented and it seems smarter the. Most of the characters and usually a step ahead.
Even when the film tires to tie things up. It offers an new twist and surprise. So that even when we think we have seen it all before. It offers something fresh and new. To keep the Audience invested. Thankfully not leaving us slapping our heads or making us feel like we have to swallow a lot just to credit the film as good.
It's not wall to wall action but the rhythm of the film stays alive and she the action does come it never disappoints. As the action sequences are noteworthy. Especially the staircase fight scene that clicks in at nine minutes and seems to be shot all in one take.
The film mostly takes place In Europe Germany to be exact around when the Berlin Wall is about to Come down to date the film And put you in the tensions of the time period when all this misadventure is going on. Even throwing a shout out to spy films if the past with the characters in the search for microfilm. Before everything. Get more crowded with side missions, double crosses, and triple crosses.
Though the film makes all other scenes like filler or the girlie to get to the action. The more dialogue and plot scenes are ok, but not as much passion or direction goes Into them as the action. Where most of the attention is focused.
The films weakness other than it seems like we might have seen all this before albeit more in a male starring film. Is that once again we spend so much time with the hero and setting up the perimeters of the world within the film. The villains come off as common cliches. They seem common and uninteresting. Characters we have seen before. Their planning is simple and they really don’t make a mark except to be a threat.
Audiences seem to be torn as it isn't enough action for some. Through for others the problem might be Not enough of an espionage story. As it might be a little too simplistic.
This film more than makes up for AEON FLUX and some other misfires starring Ms. Theron. As this movie is everything you felt promised form in the trailer. As well as surpassing expectations. Though it can't shake it's graphic novel origins. As the film seems more committed to the action more than anything else. As each scene seems to have to be filled with some kind of excitement or build upon something.
Charlize Theron is in full action mode here. She makes a good case for becoming an action star. A road she has slowly been making movement On With the films TWISTED, AEON FLUX and MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. She has the poise, toughness and sensuality for these roles. As she is a good all around Actress physically and talent wise. This film only helps her to become even more iconic.
Each character is introduced have some kind of spin where they could be the star of their own film and even though Theron is supposed to be the tantalizing eye candy once again Sofia Boutella makes everything she does seem so sultry that you can't take your eyes off of her.
It's interesting that the film gives her a more female love interest. As she doesn't really have a male lover throughout the film. If anything more in flashbacks and other than some seductive flirting. She really never has a certain sexuality. It more seems open for the sake of the film. Not to mention add a layer of revenge to the story
James McAvoy impressed here for the second time this year he has given a performance in a film. Where he is welcoming, Surprising and a delight on screen. The first being SPLIT
The key fight sequence that unfolds in a real Berlin building lasts for almost 10 minutes in what appears to be an unbroken take when, in fact, the sequence comprises almost 40 separate shots seamlessly stitched together. Though filmed chronologically from start to finish, nearly half the splices needed some degree of CGI assistance. Swish-pans provided the simplest solutions for smooth cuts and door frames provided vertical seams for smoothly bridging some segments.
This enthusiasm for the film might just be reacting as it might be something familiar in new wrapping but it is undeniably entertaining.
By the end of the film it is too much fun to take too seriously.
Grade: B
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