Atomic Blonde

Ever thought, especially recently, that the James Bond franchise needs a serious shake (not stir) up to stay relevant? That the Bournes, Kingsmen, Men From U.N.C.L.E. and Mission Impossibles of the world are making it seem a little archaic?

Atomic Blonde is the latest to try and usurp the spy movie throne and, to some extent, succeeds.

So what are the ways in which it does succeed you ask? Based on a little known graphic novel Atomic Blonde is a Cold War-set spy film fronted by Charlize Theron and, quite simply, is much more fun than the last three Bonds.

Its 80’s Berlin setting is vibrant and filled with killer music (although not used in quite as effective a way as the Guardians Of The Galaxys and Baby Drivers of this world) and the action scenes are gritty, violent and hard-hitting (you feel and see the effects of every punch, shot, garrote, corkscrew and key (!) stab (ouch!)

Theron is icy cool as the, slightly conspicuously for a spy, 'atomic blonde' of the title and, also, it must be said, one massive advert for smoking and drinking (too much guys, come on) and is supported by James McAvoy in lecherous mode, the suddenly ubiquitous, and excellent, Sofia Boutella and John Goodman who sneers as well as ever.

Where does it let itself down? Well, it’s riddled with more plot holes than Rosa Klebb’s socks. Extremely frustrating considering there is source material it is, after just a five minute discussion afterwards, completely incomprehensible. It’s so beholden to its twist-within-a-twist ending (The Usual Suspects it ain’t) that the entire rest of the movie suffers.

There are huge plot points hinted at or mentioned then dropped, never to be seen again, and character motivation is murky to say the least. The plot itself revolves around a well-worn Macguffin – a list of covert agents has gone missing (yes, that is the first half of Skyfall) but it’s very unclear.

A shame as there’s a great movie hidden in here somewhere. There are points where the style is great (the aforementioned music, the graffiti-styled titles and one sublime, 10-minute long, music-free fight scene, cleverly cut to look like one shot) but others where it’s generic and grey.

As you leave the cinema you’ll have a mile-wide grin as it’s pacey, enjoyable, meaty and fun but any sort of consideration into what you’ve just seen will leave you floundering.

3 stars ***