“Atomic Blonde” Missing an Atomic Plot

With the multitude of spy movies released over the decades, “Atomic Blonde” has big shoes to fill. Actress Charlize Theron, as the main character Lorraine, and actor James McAvoy, as the British spy stationed in Berlin, did so brilliantly. However there were a few aspects overall, in the plot specifically, that could have been improved upon.

Lorraine (Theron), one of the greatest British spies on the MI-6 team, goes into Berlin, during the end of the Cold War to retrieve dangerous information that could cripple her country. She has to navigate through many obstacles, such as the Berlin wall, and forge relationships needed to reach her goal.

The action scenes are highlights in this movie. With realistic car chases and fights, it’s hard to be disappointed with the stunt master.

Unfortunately, it went downhill from there. The plot was a little hard to follow; it may be necessary to watch the movie a few times through to fully understand it. The viewer has to fumble around for the first 90 minutes of the movie before it all clicks into place.

The movie’s soundtrack included many ‘80s hits and even a couple of songs from Germany. Many of the scenes, including those set in hotels and parties, had an aesthetic edge to the coloring of the images which was one of the better parts of the movie. For instance, there would be correlating colors in a setting such as vibrant pinks and blues.

The acting as well was a standout in the film. Unlike the famous James Bond films, the lead in “Atomic Blonde” is a female. However, Lorraine isn’t just your ordinary woman, or even spy for that matter. Theron encompasses her essence uniquely, breathing life into a stoic spy with a badass demeanor.

This modern spin on the classic spy movies of the ‘60s is fantastic for people who like a strong female lead and enjoy a running theme of “not everything is what it seems.” Overall, “Atomic Blonde” is great for its action scenes and amazing actors. Although the plot could have been clearer, it is still worth the watch. It is currently in select theaters and will come out on DVD in October.