Now Playing

Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.

American Ultra
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Topher Grace, Connie Britton, Walton Goggins, and Tony Hale
Synopsis: When we get to this point in the summer, the options at the Cineplex get dicey. There’s the holdovers from earlier in the summer and then a glut of cheaper options aimed at capturing the dollars of those looking to beat the heat. On the surface, that seems like what you’d expect from “American Ultra.” It’s an R-rated comedy farce about a stoner who turns out to be a secret government weapon. And he’s been activated. Hilarity and explosions ensue. All that’s true, but what surprised me was how into the story and characters I got as the movie unwound. “American Ultra” is a good way to beat the heat in the Dog Days of Summer, but’s it’s also surprisingly entertaining. Eisenberg is a unique actor with a unique set of comedic talents and timing. He’s been great in dramas, but he’s suited to these everyman kind of comedies. It worked well for him in another sleeper action-comedy, “Zombieland,” and it serves him well with “American Ultra,” too. He also pairs well with Stewart. The two starred opposite each other in the sleepy comedy “Adventureland” in 2009. That was a great film for both, and they bring that same easy chemistry to “American Ultra.” In fact, this feels like a perfect part for Stewart, an actress who’s been maligned because of her work in the “Twilight” series. When watching this, or her work opposite Julianne Moore in last year’s “Still Alice,” you can’t help but wonder if it was the writing and character that did Stewart a disservice with that series. She’s shown in subsequent roles that she can be a talented actress when she finds the right kind of role. Written by Max Landis (“Chronicle”), “American Ultra” feels a little like an origin story. It’s also set up well to possible lead to additional films — though the paltry Box Office numbers suggest that’s not likely. Director Nima Nourizadeh does a nice job of pacing the comedy and the action. And at just 95 minutes, “American Ultra” doesn’t wear out its welcome. The film is also blessed with some great supporting performances. Tony Hale (“Arrested Development,” “VEEP”) is great as a conflicted CIA analyst drawn into this war and Walton Goggins, best known for his work on “Justified,” is great as one of the secret weapons employed by Adrian to eliminate Mike. This isn’t a deep or complicated film, but it’s the perfect kind of action-comedy for the end of summer. It’s easy to follow, has interesting characters and provides a bit of cinematic fun.
Rating: R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexual content. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, August 28 - "The Diary of a Teenage Girl," "We Are Your Friends," "The War Room," "No Escape"