American Ultra casts Jesse Eisenberg as a failed CIA brainwashing project turned into a lazy deadbeat, whose programming activates when the CIA comes to kill him. It also stars Kristen Stewart as his girlfriend, Topher Grace as the head of the CIA operation, and Connie Britton as his handler-of-sorts. Re-uniting Eisenberg and Stewart as a romantic pairing will be nice for fans of their 2009 film Adventureland, in which they played another romantic couple.
Jesse Eisenberg has been known for mostly comedies, with the occasional serious role to showcase his diversity, and this film further adds to his diversity by showcasing his talents as a spy-like action hero. He plays an interesting character, one who has finally found their calling in life, that of killing government agents. He plays the awkward action hero well, constantly in shock and awe of his actions. This certainly isn’t a film for the kids though, there’s lots of blood and gore, so if looking for a family film, look for another. It easily earns its 18A rating.
The chemistry between the two leads is certainly palpable, they make a very convincing and sweet couple. The supporting cast also offers great performances, including Walton Goggins, an underrated actor known for his roles on The Shield and Justified plays one of the government agents chasing him. He conveys the role with a terrifying laugh, sure to creep audiences out. Topher Grace, who’s mostly known for his role as Venom in 2007’s Spiderman 3, plays the antagonist here as a man out of his depth, a role well-suited for him, trying to eliminate Jesse Eisenberg’s character. All of the actors are well cast and perform terrifically in their roles. The script was written by Max Landis, son of comedy director John Landis, and who was well-known for writing 2012’s Chronicle, the first found-footage superhero film. Both here and there he does a fantastic job in exploring the concept fully of a deadbeat who becomes amazing at murder with improbable weapons.
This film offers a lot of great and unique action, and will be sure to offer an entertaining night out for all who choose to see it. I’m giving this film an 8.5/10, and it comes highly recommended. Just remember, if choosing to watch this film, leaves the kids at home.