Read Mixed User Reviews for Atomic Blonde

4

nedykenAug 2, 2017

Two hours of Charlize Theron smoking cigarettes to a banging soundtrack of 80s pop hits. This movie is the epitome of "style over substance". There's a couple decent action scenes and some interesting John Wick-esque lighting (dimly litTwo hours of Charlize Theron smoking cigarettes to a banging soundtrack of 80s pop hits. This movie is the epitome of "style over substance". There's a couple decent action scenes and some interesting John Wick-esque lighting (dimly lit neon hues). There's an interesting vibe there, but it's mostly from the soundtrack. It uses music as a crutch. Without the pop songs, this movie would be insufferably dull.… Expand

7 of 8 users found this helpful71

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4

someone132Aug 12, 2017

Atomic Blonde is stylish and very well-shot, but gets increasingly dumb as it keeps on going. Same is true of many action films, of course: the problem here is that it's more of a spy drama, and latter half simply doesn't have enough actionAtomic Blonde is stylish and very well-shot, but gets increasingly dumb as it keeps on going. Same is true of many action films, of course: the problem here is that it's more of a spy drama, and latter half simply doesn't have enough action to distract you from how transparent and perfunctory the plot beats become.

As it is, the film has several cool action scenes at first, but literally peaks midway through, at a 10-minute long fight scene inside an empty apartment block, which is torturous in a good way: neither Theron's character nor her assailants have the weapons to end it quickly, and so they end up wearing each other down with bloody,yet inconclusive wounds. At certain points, they are both forced to stop and catch their breath for a while, before slowly continuing to fight. It's a little reminiscent of the final showdown in The Revenant, now that I think about it.

Afterwards, though, there's literally nothing special. Most characters either predictably die or end up irrelevant, someone suspected of being a traitor an hour ago lives up to it, and the final twist exposes a myriad of plotholes, and makes the behaviour of several characters largely inexplicable. There's not much thematic weight either: lesbian romantic line is just there, and while you are regularly reminded of Berlin Wall's impending fall through the incessant TV broadcasts, the main plotline and characters are completely independent of it, with not much actual reflection, or accompanying existential dread on GDR side.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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4

saintdeckyAug 19, 2017

Atomic Blonde? More like Atomic Bland!!!! hahahaha. Anyways, Atomic Blonde is a slow-moving, borderline boring movie with okay action for the most part (besides the staircase fight) and dull plot.

Characters: The characters aren't too bad:Atomic Blonde? More like Atomic Bland!!!! hahahaha. Anyways, Atomic Blonde is a slow-moving, borderline boring movie with okay action for the most part (besides the staircase fight) and dull plot.

Characters: The characters aren't too bad: their motives are sort of there, but I don't really feel connected to any of the main characters besides Lorraine, as Theron portrayed her well and I actually felt like she was more of a real person. One problem I have with the movie is that Theron and McAvoy's characters don't really spend enough time together, and the time they do spend together they spend not liking each other. They didn't have chemistry whatsoever, so when the twists and turns at the end rolled out, I didn't feel satisfied.

Acting: As I said, Theron was pretty good, but everyone else was okay. I really like James McAvoy, as he was very good in Split, and he was fine in this I guess. I wasn't too interested in his character throughout, though.

Plot: The story was not particularly interesting to me, and somewhat boring. The worst scenes were the ones in the interrogation room, simply because they seemed neverending and were only there to describe the sometimes confusing plot. It was pretty predictable throughout, and the twists weren't particularly great. Twists like this movie pulled off should have the audience like "woooah!! (blank) was actually (blank) all along! I can't believe it!" but this movie just made me feel like "oh. Cool." The plot is a typical spy thriller movie, and it would have an excuse if it had good action, but it doesn't enough of that either.

Action: Considering the director, David Leitch, was one of the two directors of both John Wick movies, and I consider the first one to be one of the most realistic if not one of the best action movies, this movie didn't quite capture the same action. It's not even that the action was different; the action remains relatively similar to the action in John Wick. Longer takes with little cutting for the most part, realistic gun mechanics and fighting. The action is still a bit similar, but doesn't capture the same feel as it did in John Wick. There also wasn't enough to me. The movie is only 1 hour and 54 minutes, but still didn't have enough to interest me in the story and movie. Don't get me wrong, most of the action was shot and choreographed very well, and is much better than a lot of modern action movies, but I wished there was more of it. I also didn't really feel attached to the characters and plot anyways, taking away from the experience. I didn't even know who I was rooting for in a few scenes. In John Wick, you know his motivations, and you sympathize for him, making you cheer for him when he takes down multiple men. But when a character you don't really know or care for fights, it takes away from some, not all, the experience. Some action movies can pull this off, but this one didn't. But I especially want to talk about the staircase fight scene, which was all one take and was nearly perfect. It was choreographed so well and immersed me into the fighting, something the rest of the action lacked, I felt. It was realistic and violent, and all I really wanted out of this movie: awesome fighting and action, without need of much of a story. John Wick's story is basically some guys killed his dog and destroyed his car that his wife, who died, gave to him. He gets mad and seeks revenge, killing hundreds of men, making for great action. But this movie paid more attention to the plot, with a few action scenes. Of course, just because John Wick didn't have much of a plot and was still good, it doesn't mean this movie had to, but since this movie focused so much on the plot that wasn't interesting, it takes away from the experience. Also, there is one really good scene with umbrellas halfway through before the staircase fight, which also resembled the cool action movie that probably would have been better.

Music: The music is very techno-electronic and loud. I didn't really have a problem with it, except for the scenes where the music is forced in. For example, there are scenes where Theron is just walking down the street, and techno music is blaring. Baby Driver got away with playing music over mundane tasks, but it worked because it was choreographed and the music still went with the tone of the scene and movie, and was played constantly throughout. When the only time this music is played is pretty much when someone is walking or not doing much, it doesn't really fit.

Atomic Blonde was a relatively boring movie with pretty good action, though not too much of it. Also, just because a movie is an action movie, I know that doesn't mean it has to have constant action and no story, but countless times a year, action movies are released, some with good, some with bad action, that have bad or boring stories. This movie, is one of those, with good action. All I'm going to say is, you should probably James McAvoid this movie. hehehehe… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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5

LamontRaymondJul 28, 2017

Unlike John Wick or even Jack Reacher, this film is totally devoid of pacing and even the slightest bit of humor. As a result, it feels staid, and, at times, boring. Which is a shame because the action sequences are amazing, the songs areUnlike John Wick or even Jack Reacher, this film is totally devoid of pacing and even the slightest bit of humor. As a result, it feels staid, and, at times, boring. Which is a shame because the action sequences are amazing, the songs are perfect, and the visuals are perfect. Simply no connective tissue, and no real reason to empathize with the characters.… Expand

11 of 14 users found this helpful113

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4

IttiacesAug 14, 2017

In spite of a strong cast and an established narrative this endeavour by director David Leitch just seemed to fall flat. I was very much looking forward to a female driven action movie with Theron in the staring role. Going by the trailer itIn spite of a strong cast and an established narrative this endeavour by director David Leitch just seemed to fall flat. I was very much looking forward to a female driven action movie with Theron in the staring role. Going by the trailer it seemed to have all the elements of something incredibly memorable.

I was bored during a large section of this film which is a real shame. It’s not fast paced and could have done with a few more action scenes. Theron has great physicality and I wanted to see more of that. James McAvoy looked a bit too pretty for his somewhat gritty role and, for me, made the character less intimidating than he should have been. Theron, although an excellent actress, played a very one dimensional character which didn’t encourage any real emotional investment from the audience. There are positives, the sets are great and I very much liked the neon stylised look that captured a fun but exaggerated setting for 80s Berlin. The retro soundtrack was enjoyable and definitely added to the overall ambience. The film stands outside the usual hollywood formula for action movies which I admired and Theron was not portrayed as a superhero but rather a skilled individual with real vulnerability. Overall, it’s not amazing but worth a look if you’re up for something different.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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6

BrianMcCriticNov 16, 2017

A film that had a lot going for it, but lacked the story to fully deliver. You can find yourself swept up in the dynamic action scenes but still realize you don't care about very much that's going on. B-

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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6

PopcornNMoviesJul 28, 2017

Leitch does a fantastic job choreographing the action sequences, but misses the mark in every other instance. Atomic Blonde is filled with a fairly basic plot that gets so muddled and confusing by the constant misdirection that the story andLeitch does a fantastic job choreographing the action sequences, but misses the mark in every other instance. Atomic Blonde is filled with a fairly basic plot that gets so muddled and confusing by the constant misdirection that the story and characters lose meaning and motivation. A highly stylized film with one of the worst use of a soundtrack I've ever heard. The music cues take over scenes. For a movie with lively characters, there not a lot of life in them.… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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6

Rebecca31Aug 12, 2017

It’s Charlize Theron beating absolutely everyone to a bloody pulp to a brilliant movie soundtrack. What more do you want in an action movie? Seriously don’t expect much more than that because you won’t get it. Don’t expect a riveting spyIt’s Charlize Theron beating absolutely everyone to a bloody pulp to a brilliant movie soundtrack. What more do you want in an action movie? Seriously don’t expect much more than that because you won’t get it. Don’t expect a riveting spy story set during the fall of the Berlin Wall. It moves from scene to scene in a series of brilliant cinematography and colours. A painfully generic and predictable story with no surprises in store for you, nothing that stands out. The only positive outcome of this is there is nothing to distract you from the gritty fight scenes of which there are many. And where the story fails you the stunts certainly make up for it and then some. Charlize is performing most of her own stunts and it really shows. Perfect casting, she is the female action hero we not only deserve but need right now.
I really enjoyed Atomic Blonde but I couldn’t help thinking that it should have been that little bit better, and although there’s nothing in the story that will stick in your mind there are some truly unforgettable fight scenes so if you love a good action flick don’t miss Atomic Blonde. Recommended.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

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6

marcmyworksAug 4, 2017

Although there are some terrific fight sequences and a top notch soundtrack, the story is not compelling or cohesive enough to follow. The surprises are not all that surprising and the editing really dumbs down the script.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

badgerryan19Aug 4, 2017

It's fine. The performances by Charlize Theron, James McAvoy and Sofia Boutella all do great jobs. The action scenes were very fun and exciting. The plot on the other hand is messy and confusing. There are so many plot holes and twists andIt's fine. The performances by Charlize Theron, James McAvoy and Sofia Boutella all do great jobs. The action scenes were very fun and exciting. The plot on the other hand is messy and confusing. There are so many plot holes and twists and turns, and ultimately predictable. The music in the movie is a little odd, and at some points distracts you and not in a good way. David Leitch first film John Wick is definitely a better movie, but this one is still serviceable. Most people will enjoy it. 70/100… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

JLuis_001Oct 15, 2017

To be honest I expected a lot more, it's fun and entertaining but it also takes itself too seriously even though the film is more about the style than substance, there are also a lot of slow passages that mess with the flow and it couldTo be honest I expected a lot more, it's fun and entertaining but it also takes itself too seriously even though the film is more about the style than substance, there are also a lot of slow passages that mess with the flow and it could easily lost a good 20 minutes to make it more compact.

I mean it was good, Charlize Theron is actually pretty good as an action badass, a hundred times better than what she did in Aeon Flux and McAvoy is in the spot as always but I really wanted a more.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

SwarleyStinsonNov 16, 2017

There are some good action scenes but they are spread too thin and probably most of them were in the trailer. This is a standard boring cold war spy movie about meeting contacts and looking for paperwork. It's the kind of movie that callsThere are some good action scenes but they are spread too thin and probably most of them were in the trailer. This is a standard boring cold war spy movie about meeting contacts and looking for paperwork. It's the kind of movie that calls itself 'stylish' meaning it has no real narrative structure and is more like bunch of random events cut together. It also uses a typical boring interview framing device which doesn't really serve much purpose. I gave up half way though to avoid falling asleep but gave it a middle score for the action and sex scenes.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

SwiftReviewsAug 30, 2017

The problem with this movie was the pacing, the movie got interesting when the music kicked in and your like this is going to be awesome than 2 secs later the actions over and it's back to talking. I found it extremely boring when compared toThe problem with this movie was the pacing, the movie got interesting when the music kicked in and your like this is going to be awesome than 2 secs later the actions over and it's back to talking. I found it extremely boring when compared to john wick 1 & 2 and James Bond. It had potential but wasted it, first movie i have ever almost fell asleep watching in the cinema, i was waiting for it end.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

aeroplasmaAug 1, 2017

I love 'talky' movies (i.e The Counselor) when they are interesting. This movie became too 'talky' way too quickly with a clear lack of direction. The action was good but far in between sandwiched by 20 minutess of talk talk talk. I nearlyI love 'talky' movies (i.e The Counselor) when they are interesting. This movie became too 'talky' way too quickly with a clear lack of direction. The action was good but far in between sandwiched by 20 minutess of talk talk talk. I nearly fell asleep - last time this happened was when watching Ghost in the Shell. This was an average movie that struggles to keep interest in the latter half.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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6

abm0Aug 4, 2017

OK, I went in expecting better fight scenes than in Wonder Woman and I was not disappointed (for the most part). Particularly impressive was the realism of how 1. someone of lower general body weight has to focus almost entirely on directOK, I went in expecting better fight scenes than in Wonder Woman and I was not disappointed (for the most part). Particularly impressive was the realism of how 1. someone of lower general body weight has to focus almost entirely on direct weak spot attacks (throat, groin, joints, eyes) like in Krav Maga or jujutsu, or else if the fight goes on too long against someone too much heavier our hero can expect to get severely **** up, and 2. she actually checks if she has a round in the chamber by partially pulling back the slide, before she goes into a gunfight. Nobody **** does that. :) Everyone in action movies just fully racks the slide without a second thought, even if they've racked it before when they were gearing up (which means the second time around they should be throwing out a perfectly good unused round like a dumb ass).

But what I was also expecting was the fast pace that makes sense in - and is typical of - assassin/secret agent movies, where there's a mission to complete under time pressure and there are lives at stake. Here the feeling of urgency is interrupted by chillout/dialogue scenes so much that you just lose the excitement and it stops feeling the way a secret agent action movie should feel. Big let-down there.

Minus 2 points for turning it into a CIA glorification piece, sadly, though as we know by now the writers don't really get a choice when trying to portray such institutions.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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6

DavidWasHereAug 21, 2017

While the crisp cinematography, fantastic lighting and color palette, and strong action scenes and performances from Theron and McAvoy, it is weaken by a by-the-numbers spy thriller with an underdeveloped and boring lead character (even withWhile the crisp cinematography, fantastic lighting and color palette, and strong action scenes and performances from Theron and McAvoy, it is weaken by a by-the-numbers spy thriller with an underdeveloped and boring lead character (even with Theron doing a good job as the lead) and a soundtrack that distracts far more than it adds to the film's style (the use of George Michael's Father Figure is the biggest offender here). There is some merit to this movie but it's style cannot save it's substance from a step above mediocre.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

DubeauOct 15, 2017

The story of Atomic was kind of interesting. Located in the 80's, they put a good setting for the story. But overall, I wasn't that exited by the dialogues in general. The fighting scenes were very well done, very accurate and well framed.The story of Atomic was kind of interesting. Located in the 80's, they put a good setting for the story. But overall, I wasn't that exited by the dialogues in general. The fighting scenes were very well done, very accurate and well framed. The music was from the 80's soundtrack. Even if it fits the time period, I got extremely annoyed to hear only that in the movie. It became tiresome and didn't fit the actions. The excessive smoking just remove any sexiness that went into some scenes, and seemed more of a shameful plug in the end. The ending twist was closed very fast. I give it a 65%, not the best movie but the action was fair.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

jb1296Jun 22, 2018

Atomic Blonde doesn't give the same emotional investment as John Wick, and I think the narrative can be quite difficult to follow sometimes, but there is the style to it like John Wick and the action scenes are decent and much better thanAtomic Blonde doesn't give the same emotional investment as John Wick, and I think the narrative can be quite difficult to follow sometimes, but there is the style to it like John Wick and the action scenes are decent and much better than most other action films. This film is good, but there are flaws to it.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

ImOnFireNov 26, 2017

It gets a 5 because of the style and the strong acting by Charlize Theron, but I was bored throughout - such a shame, such wasted potential, it could have been a cold war female led John Wick.