Atomic Blonde (2017)

Set just before the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, first time (on his own) David Leitch’s adaptation of a graphic novel stars Charlize Theron as Lorraine, an MI5 asset who is sent to Berlin to retrieve a valuable list after a British agent is murdered. On hand to help out is James McAvoy’s fellow agent David, although it’s difficult to establish exactly what his game is in the sleazy, punk and noire styled Berlin.

What really stands out in Atomic Blonde is the action, most notably an incredible ten minute, one shot take fight sequence in and around a staircase of a dilapidated building. Unfortunately the intrigue and suspense is surrendered in the final third of the film; a character makes a derogatory comment about Theron’s female agent and you instantly know what’s going to happen in the final half hour. With the action sequences being so good, it’s easy to be reminded of Paul Greengrass’ Bourne films, and one wonders what film we would have ended up with had he been at the helm. However, David Leitch shows ample promise here; and he has gone on to direct films like Deadpool 2 (2018) and last years’ Bullet Train. 6.5/10