Atomic Blonde

The key mystery surrounding Director David Leitch’s Atomic Blonde is what style of film he was aiming for…graphic novel, Bond, retro '80s, something else? 

It seems as if the filmmakers couldn't decide.  So, the movie starts off disjointedly and, for the first half hour, it's difficult to get into the story and care about any of the characters.

 

The film does recover with some kick-ass, thrilling action scenes in which Charlize Theron gets to prove she’s a match for any male action star.  However, her character, like the style, is cold and, perhaps, that’s the feel with which Leitch wanted to leave the audience.

However, in addition to feeling cold, I left feeling disappointed with what could have been, if everyone involved had been on the same page.

I give Charlize Theron a 4.2 out of 5, but can only give Atomic Blonde a 3.2 out of 5.

Dunkirk

Writer/Producer/Director Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk is an amazing work of cinema on all levels. 

 

The British army’s attempt to evacuate 400,000 soldiers from the Belgium coast as the German army advances against them during World War II weaves concurrent stories of the beach, the sea and the air, each with its own main characters with brilliant performances by Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Fionn Whithead and Cillian Murphy.

 

The plot is escape and the action is relentless, blending heroism with cowardness, dastardly deeds, suffering and kindness. 

While this film shows the horror of war and presents the shocking truth, it does not attempt to be so gross as to limit its audience. 

We are swept along with the pace set by Editor Lee Smith and the superb music provided by Composer Hans Zimmer…all under the masterful direction of Christopher Nolan.

Its only flaw is that some of the lines are not audible enough to be understood.  But, even this does not deter from its power.

I give Dunkirk a 4.7 out of 5.