Atomic Blonde movie review

I kept seeing previews for this movie in the theater and it seemed interesting, though not exactly my type, since I don't usually go for the spy genre of movies. One of the things that really made me want to see this movie was the amazing 80's soundtrack that kept playing in the preview, and also, well seeing Charlize Theron making out with a beautiful woman didn't hurt any either. So I found this DVD on sale and I had to pick it up and see it for myself. Atomic Blonde is about a British spy that is sent to Berlin (in 1989 before the fall of the Berlin Wall) to retrieve "the list" which is a list of every spy and their details. This list is for obvious reasons very valuable and gives power to what ever nation owns it. The story has many twists and turns, and whose working for who, and who really is the good guy and who really is the bad guy? Definitely a high action movie set in the beautiful back drop of the contrasting East and West Berlin, and led by an amazing cast of characters. This movie is refreshing, because it isn't just a female James Bond, it is actually an original story and plot, with a very strong female lead. The movie has an interesting story line that will keep you guessing, and plenty of unexpected twists and double crosses. The characters all seem perfectly cast, and play their rolls amazingly and convincingly. The sets are beautifully done and show the contrast of the two sides of Berlin at the end of the Cold War. It is dark and gritty and decadent and sexy in all the right places, and is a pleasure to see. The movie captures really well the look and the feel of the 1980s. The soundtrack is absolutely amazing with some of the best 80s new-wave tracks on it, including Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus, Nina's 99 Luft Balloons, as well as other amazing bands like New Order, The Clash, and Queen. The costumes are another thing that really makes this movie amazing, I absolutely love the sexy yet bad ass look of Charlize Theron in this movie, I can only wish that I could have her outfits. All of the characters costumes were fantastic, and fit the sexy yet grittiness of the setting of the movie. Also loved seeing all of the punks and the mohawks which help to establish that 1980s look. The movie was also well written, and directed, the fight scenes were expertly done and looked really good, just everything about the look of the movie was wonderful. I also love that Charlize Theron's character has a fluid sexuality, and it is treated like it really isn't even a big deal, like oh, she's sleeping with the French spy, cool. I like that it isn't made a spectical of and is treated casually and normally, which is how sexuality in movies should be treated, and I as a lesbian appreciate that. The things that I didn't really care for is that in this genre of movie the violence and long drawn out fight scenes seem to be a huge part of the film, and this movie is no exception. I get it, they are bad ass spies, but damn it do they do anything other than beat each other and everyone else up? Like I honestly think that 20% of the fight scenes just borderline on gratuitous violence and could be cut out. People say that horror movies are violent, but holy fuck action movies just get redundant and carry on far too long with the fights. I would honestly liked to have seen less fights and a bit more actual mystery and espionage. However the movie delivers to fans of this genre what they are looking, violence, car chases, fist fights, gun fights, blood splattering....ya know typical action movie tropes. Would I recommend this movie? Yes, if you are looking for a fun action/spy movie with a strong bisexual female lead, the look no further, this movie will deliver everything you are looking for. Sex and violence, amazing 80's music, sexy clothing, amazing sets, if that is your thing then pop this movie in and have a good time, because this movie will keep you hooked, and keep you guessing. I think it is amazing for what it is, and I will definitely be watching it again, even though it isn't my typical type of movie.