American Ultra

American Ultra attempts to blend stoner comedy with action thriller, but it never fully commits to either genre. While there are moments of genuine humor and excitement, the film ultimately stumbles over its own ambitions.

A Stoner’s Hidden Past

Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) is a stoner living a mundane life with his girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart), when his hidden past as a sleeper agent resurfaces. As government forces target him, Mike must tap into his forgotten training to survive. The film combines absurd scenarios with action-packed sequences, but the story struggles to find its footing, leading to a disjointed and sometimes tedious experience. The central idea has potential, but it feels mismatched with the comedy and action elements, leaving viewers confused about what tone the film is trying to strike.

A Mix of Talents Underused

Jesse Eisenberg delivers a quirky performance as Mike, perfectly embodying the slacker persona, while Kristen Stewart as Phoebe provides a solid counterpart. However, the supporting cast, including Topher Grace and Walton Goggins, often feels underutilized, leaving their characters with little depth. The film’s rapid pacing and scattered focus mean we never fully connect with any of the characters, making their fates feel inconsequential. Even the more seasoned actors like Connie Britton and John Leguizamo are left with roles that lack substance, missing the opportunity to shine in a meaningful way.

Chaotic Style with Muddled Execution

Director Nima Nourizadeh employs a frenetic style that matches the film's chaotic narrative. The action scenes, while occasionally entertaining, can feel muddled due to rapid cuts and shaky camera work. The visuals alternate between a vibrant small town aesthetic and darker, more intense sequences, but this tonal whiplash detracts from the viewer's experience. The film doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a zany comedy or a serious action piece, leading to a stylistic clash that hampers its overall effectiveness. This inconsistency is frustrating and distracts from moments that could have been engaging.

Boredom Amidst the Action

Watching American Ultra can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but not necessarily the exhilarating kind. There are stretches where the film drags, particularly during exposition-heavy moments that feel overly long and tedious. While it sometimes hits the mark with humor, many jokes fall flat or feel forced. The emotional stakes also lack the weight necessary to make viewers genuinely invested. By the time the plot reaches its climax, it feels like a chore rather than a thrilling conclusion, leaving one wondering if the film's initial promise was merely a setup for disappointment.