Tidbit: 'Atomic Blonde' (2017; R)

Three things stood out: the evocative cinematography, colour grading and raw, gritty fights. 

I found the plot complicated, but it'll probably become less so with subsequent viewings. 

There's a sapphic romance here. 'Anna' (2019; R), another high profile spy movie fronted by a female, also has a sapphic romance. As a doe-eyed Christian viewer, this raises questions around morality. But l digress. I wonder though, whether Luc Besson, the writer-director of 'Anna', took inspiration from 'Atomic Blonde'. 

Aficionados of martial arts movies will recognise Daniel Bernhardt, who replaced Jean-Claude Van Damme in the 'Bloodsport' movie franchise. Bernhardt plays a goon, here. James McAvoy is, to his credit as an actor, frustratingly ambiguous as rogue agent Percival. You never know what his intentions are, or whose side he's on. 

Charlize Theron displays amazing grit and athleticism in playing CIA agent Lorraine Broughton, who's an expert in hand-to-hand combat, amongst other things. Toby Jones' character, Eric Gray, is as dislikeable as his Hydra minion in the 'Captain America/Avengers' movies. 

I don't know what to make of the performances of John Goodman (CIA official, Kurzfeld), Sofia Boutella (Delphine), Eddie Marsan (Spyglass) and Til Schweiger (Watchmaker). But I suppose they were adequate. 

'Atomic Blonde' is fair, l think.