- Sep 20, 2014
- 3,925
- 4,676
I really enjoyed it the same way I enjoyed Hanna (and to much lesser extent, first John Wick). I’m a sucker for East Berlin and espionage stuff and i don’t mind suspending reality for an otherwise good/decent story and action (Hanna also has an amazingly long single shot fight scene).Atomic Blond (2017)
Charlize Theron as a cold war spy for MI6 in Berlin as the wall is about to fall. Someone has a list of all the allied agents, including a double agent named "Satchel". Filming is great in colors (greys and blues) and setting (80's grungy urban Berlin), action sequences are also solid as she kicks ass in fights but they don't stretch out so long as to overtake the story - it's still about the spies and finding the list. However, I should point out at around 1:15 into the movie there is an extended hand-to-hand fight between her and a bad guy that runs long....but it is one uncut scene, camera keeps moving and positioning while Theron and the bad guy go back and forth, no stunt double, she's doing it all. And THAT is followed by a short car chase - again, mostly all one shot, camera moving all over, and great car crashes. Overall film is told in flashback, as she is debriefing with MI6, and CIA liason, John Goodman (does a decent job, comes across as you would expect him to). Flashbacks involve the events of chasing the list and the man who held it ("Spyglass"), and an (ex?) MI6 agent who has gone native in East Berlin and knows the people and places for contacts, "David Percival" (played very well by James McAvoy). There develops a question for viewers as to who actually is Satchel - Theron or McAvoy. I won't spoil it, but while it isn't as strong a twist or play out as other films, it does hold up well until the reveal. BUT, following the reveal, the movie gives us an extra 10min of action and story setting us up for a sequel which ought to be pretty good, and a bonus twist. Double-Bonus points for a kicking soundtrack full of memorable late 80's tracks we all recognize, generally dropping in with lyrics to match the current mood of the movie.
There is a nice lesbie scene between Theron and a French agent that starts with lip kisses, then dry humping, then enough boobage to earn points. We even get a follow up bedroom scene with them that doesn't show anything but hints to it. 8/10, recommended. Not an awesome film, but a damn good one that was better than expected.
Atomic Blond (2017)
Charlize Theron as a cold war spy for MI6 in Berlin as the wall is about to fall. Someone has a list of all the allied agents, including a double agent named "Satchel". Filming is great in colors (greys and blues) and setting (80's grungy urban Berlin), action sequences are also solid as she kicks ass in fights but they don't stretch out so long as to overtake the story - it's still about the spies and finding the list. However, I should point out at around 1:15 into the movie there is an extended hand-to-hand fight between her and a bad guy that runs long....but it is one uncut scene, camera keeps moving and positioning while Theron and the bad guy go back and forth, no stunt double, she's doing it all. And THAT is followed by a short car chase - again, mostly all one shot, camera moving all over, and great car crashes. Overall film is told in flashback, as she is debriefing with MI6, and CIA liason, John Goodman (does a decent job, comes across as you would expect him to). Flashbacks involve the events of chasing the list and the man who held it ("Spyglass"), and an (ex?) MI6 agent who has gone native in East Berlin and knows the people and places for contacts, "David Percival" (played very well by James McAvoy). There develops a question for viewers as to who actually is Satchel - Theron or McAvoy. I won't spoil it, but while it isn't as strong a twist or play out as other films, it does hold up well until the reveal. BUT, following the reveal, the movie gives us an extra 10min of action and story setting us up for a sequel which ought to be pretty good, and a bonus twist. Double-Bonus points for a kicking soundtrack full of memorable late 80's tracks we all recognize, generally dropping in with lyrics to match the current mood of the movie.
There is a nice lesbie scene between Theron and a French agent that starts with lip kisses, then dry humping, then enough boobage to earn points. We even get a follow up bedroom scene with them that doesn't show anything but hints to it. 8/10, recommended. Not an awesome film, but a damn good one that was better than expected.
Expendables 3
So, you know by the title, this is explosions and cameos with little plot. If that's what you want, WATCH THIS. Story this time is Stallone breaks Wesley Snipes out of prison (schadenfreude on his location?), then retires his team and recruits a new young bunch for a suicide mission against his old partner, Mel Gibson. Things go sideways and the old team comes back to help solve the situation. There, I've spoiled the plot. However, you get in spades the cameos of actors you didn't know you wanted to see in this franchise, several are pleasant surprises, some of the new young group are throwaways while others may come back again. The *best* IMO is Antonio Banderas as a wannabe begging to join up...freaking hilarious. Aside from action (explosions, guns with unlimited bullets, a few thrown knives) you get a healthy sprinkling of delightful one liners and humorous dialogue (old guy talk between Sly and several of the older guys). I figured it was third in the series and apt to be trash milking the name - I was delighted and found my self seriously laughing out loud to many of the scenes and dialogues. Loved it, absolutely maintaining the franchise - you know what you want, and you aren't disappointed with it. Loved it. And it actually did have a plot that kept moving at a decent pace, didn't drag or get absurd really. 8/10 with no boobs (would you really want to see Rhonda Rousey's?)
Saw ...
"The Informant!"
True story of an Archer Daniels Midland exec who turned whistleblower back in the '90s.
Good cast and Matt Damon was believable...
No boobs, 6.5/10
And..
"Loving"
True story of an interracial couple back in Virginia around 1958 who wanted to get married.
It was illegal in Virginia at the time so they drove up to D.C. and got married.
then all hell breaks loose when they get back to southern Virginia.
Great understated acting in this one...no boobs either.
8.5 out of 10
"Zootopia"
Had to watch an animated film - so I chose this one.
I really liked the story line...great voices too. Loved the scene at the DMV.
8/10
These have been reviewed in here before but I finally got around to seeing both 'Hidden Figures' and 'Hacksaw Ridge'.
THOROUGHLY enjoyed both movies.
Sooo Zootopia, boobs?
I enjoyed it a lot. Pure escapism. It was a fun movie and I got a kick out of the Major Tom opening montage. Plus Cara Delevingne is immensely easy to look at for two hours.Valerian - it’s a turn your brain off science fiction film. Not the best if the genre but for some reason I enjoyed it for what it was. The effects almost felt 90s at times. 5/10 and a popcorn flick. Better than expected but not great.
I’m a Luc Besson fan and I know this was a passion project for him but I stayed away from it. Will give it a whirl.I enjoyed it a lot. Pure escapism. It was a fun movie and I got a kick out of the Major Tom opening montage. Plus Cara Delevingne is immensely easy to look at for two hours.
Which parts? That 559 was first (when Im pretty sure there were multiple teams)? That they werent aware theyd be riding horses? I know they trained for it in country and at K2.12 Strong
It’s a near complete fabrication of the real story and there’s bad blood about that.
I think it’s worth watching and I’ll see it again, but it’s Hollywood history and it bothers me when we start thinking of these versions are as “close enough” given that so few ever read anything anymore.Which parts? That 559 was first (when Im pretty sure there were multiple teams)? That they werent aware theyd be riding horses? I know they trained for it in country and at K2.
That hilarious cavalry charge at the end? That was the most obviously hollywooded part... but I guess I assumed that would be obvious.
Or do you just mean the B team commander, who was portrayed as an ass etc?
I still think it is a good flick, especially for those who didnt know anything like this took place, which is most people.
I will look for your other recommendation.
Yeah..... but it ISNT the history channel. They are always going to insist on a cavalry charge w everyone shooting from the hip and assault rifles with neverending ammunition.I think it’s worth watching and I’ll see it again, but it’s Hollywood history and it bothers me when we start thinking of these versions are as “close enough” given that so few ever read anything anymore.
I know, it’s about money, but they really shorted Dostum and the Afghans in this, and 595 as well. There’s good reason why not a single name of the actual members of 595 is used in the movie and it has nothing to do with OPSEC or personal security... hell, “595” is never even said in the movie while 555 is.Yeah..... but it ISNT the history channel. They are always going to insist on a cavalry charge w everyone shooting from the hip and assault rifles with neverending ammunition.