SXSW 2017 Review: ATOMIC BLONDE

By Jan Hamilton

Charlize Theron sizzles as Lorraine Broughton, a British secret agent sent to Berlin just before the fall of the Wall.  Her cover is that she is to bring home the body of another agent, with whom she seems to have had a relationship.  Because she is so emotionless, it’s hard to tell.  Her real purpose is to retrieve a list of agents and perhaps find a mole.

On arrival, it seems as if the Soviets know what she will do before she does.  The agent in residence, David Percival (James McAvoy) appears helpful, but also seems to be a bit of a loose cannon.  Incredible, almost non-stop action sequences make this a superior thrill ride. Charlize is fantastic.  A real crowd pleaser, the graphic novel gets the screen treatment it deserves.   The movie has good performances from all, including Roland Moller, the Danish actor recently seen in Land of Mine.

The Bottom Line: A great summer treat, very violent, totally enjoyable and full of surprises

Director:  David Leitch

Executive Producer:   Nick Meyer, Marc Schaberg, Joe Nozemack, Steven V. Scavelli, Ethan Smith, David Guillod, Kurt Johnstad

Producer:   Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, A.J. Dix, Kelly McCormick, Eric Gitter, Peter Schwerin

Screenwriter: Kurt Johnstad, Based on graphic novel by Antony Johnston

Principal Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones

 

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