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Atomic Blonde Premiere/Review

TVToni
Jul 18, 2017
2 min read

If you think you've had a cold water bath before, I assure you, it's nothing like the one that Charlize Theron subjects herself to in the opening scenes of "Atomic Blonde." Batter, bruised, and looking downright bitchy, Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is submerged in an ice bath that is sure to rival the waters a polar bear would find on a winters day.

But, the ice bath is well earned after all the ass she kicks in the movie. In it she is an undercover agent sent to Berlin just as the wall is about to come tumbling down. Not a moment after the ink on her passport has dried is she compromised and rescued by her on-the-ground contact. Not that she needs rescuing. Theron quite simply makes anyone who crosses her path on the cobbled streets of Berlin her bitch.

James McAvoy is her counterpart and both go in search of a list with names on it while attempting to solve the murder of Ms. Theron's coworker and one of the only men she allowed to be submissive with (if you know what I mean).

Pics courtesy: Universal Pictures

Of course when you put two spies together you would expect to see double the fighting action. But you don't. Instead you see Charlize Theron making and taking a bulk of the beatings. She is downright ruthless in her combats. Each and every one becoming more brutal than the last. Until the audience is treated to possibly one of the most difficult and entertaining fight scenes ever to be shown on any screen. It. Is. Awesome. Taking place in one continuous take for several minutes. Yeah, minutes. Theron would go on to crack two teeth and McAvoy shot with a broken hand (which he suffered shooting the movie "Split).

The movie has everything you would want in an action movie. Twists, turns, deceit, espionage, and even a heavy dose of girl on girl action. What "Atomic Blonde" also has is tired and sometimes over the top 80's references. These are not worthy of the Oscar Winning leading lady. It is predictable and looks like someone in post took a highlighter to some of the lighting with strong pinks and blues. But, the aforementioned action scene made it a little easier to overlook.

Video Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Having been born as a graphic novel, this film certainly has franchise potential. So, does she get her man, or perhaps woman? Is the list ever found? How long can Theron kick ass in heels as high as some skyscrapers? Well you will have to see her go atomic when the film is out July 28th.

Overall this critic gives it a 6 out of 10. Be sure to check out some of the Q&A from Theron and the cast from the premiere at SXSW when I first saw the movie.