Atomic Blonde
- Jan 15, 2018
- 2 min read
Based on a graphic novel, all star cast, 80’s time period setting, great music, and an intriguing story. What could go wrong? In theory, nothing, this movie has everything that I could want. In reality, something special is lost.
Breaking down each of these elements to rate them individually is unnecessary. Each element is great. The cinematography of each scene is reminiscent of those seen in the original comic book, The Coldest City. Colors and music grab hold of the watcher and every moment is memorable. The usage of neon, greens, and blues make for a distinct environment which characters aggressively groove across. Each character is given an interesting story and motives leading to great conflict. The time period is well represented by the non-stop 80’s music which punctuates every kick, punch, and crash of the explosive action. And there is a great deal of explosive action to behold. Even casual conversation between the main characters is given the same attention to detail as the fights. Sadly, all of these great moments become lost in their own glamour.
The story of Atomic Blonde is broken up by going back and forth between the past and present until they reach each other. This is a great tool for spy movies such as this one, but the jumps become increasingly jarring as the film advances. When the time jumps happen there is always a change in background colors to help the viewer realize what is happening which adds to the visual greatness of the film, but takes away from the cohesion of the story. Instead of letting the viewer slowly invest into the possible hidden motives of characters, Atomic Blonde pulls the viewer back to present day and weakens the power of the transitions. Characters are forced to balance between action heroes with superhero like abilities, then are forced back into a real world of mortals. While some movies are able to find this equilibrium, Atomic Blonde becomes clunky.
These issues could be forgiven if the movie ended just 15 minutes sooner. Unfortunately the last act of Atomic Blonde loses pace when compared to the rest of the film’s action scenes. While the beginning of the movie is able to keep the viewer at the edge of their seat as guns are fired and cars explode against the backdrop of pounding 80’s hits, the end is a trudge to wrap up far too many loose ends. This struggle to stick with the characters is accompanied by a few more exciting action moments, but each subsequent punch is less meaningful than the last.
Atomic Blonde tries to set itself apart from other action movies of the year, and at times succeeds, but leaves the viewer feeling more overwhelmed than satisfied. With more focus given to a coherent story this could have been a great movie. The oversaturation of violence and action only holds back the total product as being good when it could be great.
7/10
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