I am continually mystified by the would-be blockbusters that, even pre-covid, would never make the cut for theatrical release. I know it's a function of streaming that we are even aware of these films. A few years ago they'd just shelve them. Guys, Ava is so bad I made a messageboard profile to talk about it.
This movie feels like they cast, scouted locations, choreographed fight scenes, and then on the morning of the first day of filming realized "Oh shit, we didn't write the script!" It's a rare thing when such wooden performances come from a cast like this (Jessica Chastain, Common, Colin Farrell, Geena Davis, JOHN MALKOVICH???). The plot is so crowded (Jessica Chastain is a drug addicted, highly trained assassin on the run from her former employers OR Jessica Chastain picks a fight with organized crime in her hometown in order to save her brother-in-law who she was once briefly engaged to, but both in 96 minutes? We really doing this?).
The thing is, the movie is missing some of the hallmarks of HDTGM fodder. The fight choreography is more than adequate, and the editing and cinematography feel fairly high quality. The movie is set in Boston, and a few details like concert posters on the walls and even some of the neighborhoods where various characters live are pretty spot on for their age, career, etc. Someone local had their hands in this.
But the tropes, guys, the tropes are SO TROPEY. It was so awkward at times it made my skin hurt. Has anyone seen this gem?
