American Ultra - Movie Review

Note: A lot of dialogue in this trailer was different in the movie - which is a good thing

Who's In It?

Topher Grace, Connie Britton, Kristen Stewart, and Jesse Eisenberg


What's It About?
Stoner and general waster Mike is preparing to propose to his girlfriend when he is activated as a government asset, causing the CIA to want him dead by any means necessary.

 Any Good?

Okay, I'll get this out of the way immediately, American Ultra, despite its original concept yearnings, is a more gruesome but ultimately poorer version of Chuck. I still enjoyed this offering though, despite far preferring the Josh Schwartz created action-comedy/spy-drama television series.

My main concern is that this film has shaken my faith in a Jesse Eisenberg Lex Luthor. Even in his badass super soldier mode he was still the usual stuttering nervous mess he plays, but then again most everyone phoned it in here. The most tenacious character was played by Kristen Stewart, but Phoebe, seems as though she was written just for her.

Watch it if you haven't, seriously

The story is basically Chuck with bite, finding its raison dêtre in one of the CIA ULTRA projects, which I find incredibly interesting. The below par delivery is fleshed out with great back-stories to several secondary characters, which ultimately saved American Ultra face. 

I liked this, which is a little underwhelming considering the cast and the premise. It's not funny when it should be and not engaging enough despite promise but I found it entertaining. Definitely one for the adults in terms of gore, I'd recommend watching it at home as soon as it's available.

Rating: