Blondie
115 Mins. Starring: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones & John Goodman. Director: David Leitch.
Sweet 80's dreams are made of these. Now who are critics to disagree? Just don't call 'Atomic Blonde', 'Jane Wick'. Because even though this hand-to-hand action blockbuster, combat cinematic experience comes from the same stunt director (David Leitch) who set Keanu Reeves off, this peroxide power is all Charlize Theron's own. We haven't seen bleached madness done this crazy since Eminem stood up as the real Slim Shady. Now this bombshell rips off her bald 'Mad Max' characters 'Winter Soldier' like metal arm and gets all 'Fast and Furiosa' in the Cold War before the wall falls. As after joining the 'Furious' ensemble for Vin Diesel's 'F-8' this blockbuster season, Theron carries her thorough Summer hot streak down the thunder road, alone in Berlin. Like last weeks 'Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets', this is also based on a graphic novel (one called 'The Coldest City') and Charlize follows in the super-heroic assassin kicking stiletto steps of Angelina Jolie, rubbing 'Salt' into her punch peppered villains and real life sexist bad guys wounds, heel to toe. But this lit, neon-noir spy thriller is no Jane or 'James Blonde' either. In the Princess Gal Gadot year of 'Wonder Woman' this is Queen like Diana should have been. And yes this queen, she is a killer too like Mercury. Dynamite with a laser beam. Guranteed to blow your mind and all that. Kicking ass like she did caught in 'The Crossfire' of an old Brandon Flowers video. Better send an arrangement to her victims. Charlize's Cockney London operative is cocky, kicks sass and doesn't pull a single punch. You can count the two teeth this Dior model lost if you don't believe me or she. Armed to the gums too with an 80's synth score that Marty McFly performing at his parents prom would declare "Aha" at. This slick spy flicks 'Back To The Future' boombox era soundtrack could even pop with the 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2' Zunes and lock with 'Baby Driver's' iPod playlist. Busting tunes aswell as balls and bad guys, the genesis of this genre crushing actioneer is as euphoric as the Eurythmics.
Rendering everything else subatomic, Theron goes nuclear in this Regan-era slice of icy Cold War history and pop culture references like when Frankie told you to "relax" in a white and black caps t-shirt. And what a clash everything under the crumbling wall this is as Charlize answers the call from the boys in London. From the Blue Monday beginnings to the 'Under Pressure' climax of this film that looks as good as it sounds. And speaking of the legendary Queen and Ziggy Stardust collabo, just like the late, great Freddie Mercury and tragically now David Bowie there's nothing like the good ole days...or in this case nostalgia. And in tag-teaming with forthcoming 'Deadpool 2' Tim Miller replacing director Leitch on the stunt of his life they scratch that itch. And leave more than a bruise too as this is just like the gun-fu of their dear 'John', but in a deeper, realer shade or purple. No grey areas amongst this black and blue. Charlize Theron oozes more than sex appeal as she suits up in leather, f### the spandex. More than a Russian Black Widow, this lonely wife maker beats more men and sexist stereotypes as she gives a sense of classiness to all the sexiness. For every knee high boot there is a cold front long coat that eludes to attracting eyes more than it actually modern day soft-porn era reveals. If anyone claims the word "slut" then it won't be Charlize that will need to be shamed. Because she's a real woman of power. She's more than a sex symbol. The 'Monster', 'Snow White', 'Aeon Flux' and 'Hancock' star is a Hollywood icon with another hit franchise maker under her belt that makes her blonde wig as symbolic as the disgusie extension of superstar singer Sia. Searing with strength, soul, femininity and the pain she brings and takes as she fights the power, this may just be the biggest thing the big name has ever done. If not the best (save a solo 'Furiosa' movie and the success of the 'Fast' franchise') when it comes to going it all alone. This blonde bombshell is up and at them and is no kitten for those wanting to pur pussycat, or turn some slight nails pun into claws. Because this is more than all of that mess. It's not always all about sex and action heroes know no gender. Even those old timing 'Expendables' can see that behind their prescription lenses. And you don't have to cast Ronda Rousey in these type of films to find your ultimate fighting champion either. Because you've got one here breaking faces and not you know what. The only thing Theron nails here is the whole damn thing. So save your "damn girls" and "Yas Queens", because this 80's trend is more than 'goals'. It's a scored scorcher for the summer season in this August rush. The last haymaking blockbuster punch thrown. T.K.O.
Filthy James McAvoy is having the fur and fuzz fun of his life on the 'Split' multiple personality year of his career too. As Professor Xavier swaps a bald identity for a close shave buzz cut here, James has a ball as Percival. Welcomed to the punch this 'Wanted' star is a critical contact out in the cold and takes it back to the hot streak beginnings of a career that made this young man 'The Last King Of Scotland'. Just when you thought you had McAvoy all figured out he puts you in a trance again. And forget working for the crown and country, after her foot slicing 'Kingsman' secret service breakout, French femme fatale and former Madonna back-up dancer Sofia Boutella continues her Hollywood Vogue moment. After striking an extreme make-up pose in last years 'Star Trek-Beyond' sequel and this Summers Universal 'Dark Universe' starting, Tom Cruise 'Mummy' reboot as the mother of all bandaged monsters, Boutella bares all from the steam to the substance of a lesbian love affair that's deeper than what or who lusts after it. She's a killer Sofia. Scene stealing in a class cast that extends to a few good moments from C.I.A. man and 'Kong: Skull Island' expedition leader, legend John Goodman and 'Captain America' Hydra villain and 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', British Intelligence's own Toby Jones. Both worthy of being on the tape and in front of the glass for the record. Making their back and forth as rewind worthy as the fist and kick set-pieces that knock blow for blow. Now if you thought a rooftop apartment hose abseiling, fist and nozzle, knuckle duster punch up threw everything including the kitchen sink, freezer door and stove at your head, then just wait until you see the single take, ultimate lights, camera and action outstanding one shot ('True Detective', 'The Revenant' and 'London Has Fallen' beware) that spills from the blood for bone and guts exchange stairwell to the car clash chase streets of a road in rearview. This 80's top gun number in Berlin really takes your breath away. When you see scenes like this that have the moviemakings of moments you've never seen before on screens it's little wonder a former stunt choreographer got the directors chair for the second chapter of his career. Now 'John Wick' may kick your ass, but here blondes have more gun. 'Atomic Wick' anyone?! TIM DAVID HARVEY.
See This If You Liked: 'John Wick', 'Mad Max: Fury Road', 'Salt'.
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