Friday, July 6, 2018

Movie review: Red Sparrow

 
 Russian ballerina Dominika feels her life dream slipping away after a career ending leg injury, but her powerful uncle has a solution; become a Russian spy. Tasked with seducing a CIA operative, Dominika begins to question her loyalty and consider becoming a double agent.

Jennifer Lawrence (Dominika), Joel Edgerton (Nate), Matthias Schoenaerts (Vanya), Charlotte Rampling (Matron), Mary-Louise Parker (Boucher), Ciaran Hinds (Zakharov), Jeremy Irons (Korchnoi), Joely Richardson (Nina).

Red Sparrow begins well enough by starting with Dominika's career ending injury. Her uncle, a powerful government official, quickly steps in and Dominika realizes creating a life for herself means becoming a spy. Educated in the art of seduction, and tasked with using her skills on a CIA operative working in Moscow, she begins to see the self-preservation advantages of becoming a double agent. The remainder of the film is a detailed journey of deception and manipulation with Russian accents.

Acting was a mixed bag in this one. Lawrence visually fit her role well but emotionally she feels almost detached with hardly a single smile in the entire film. Edgerton had a bit more energy but had nowhere to invest it. Parker, Irons, Rampling and the remainder of the cast felt stoic and dry throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were decent with a realistic feel and fit the film well. Action scenes were enjoyable with good energy. Russian accents were not good and made following dialogue difficult at times. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

This one feels like plot and technical work were somewhat ignored with the hopes Lawrence would elevate the film and the bet failed. The result is a lackluster spy flick whose main draw is seeing Lawrence nude. Those looking for solid action or energy will likely be disappointed.

With some intense and violent sexuality, explicit violence, foul language, and adult situations save this one for adults and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 6.17.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Drama, Spy films, Espionage

copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel

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