{"id":75961,"date":"2020-09-24T18:45:39","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T15:45:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/jessica-chastain-misfires-in-melodramatic-actioner\/"},"modified":"2020-09-24T18:45:39","modified_gmt":"2020-09-24T15:45:39","slug":"jessica-chastain-misfires-in-melodramatic-actioner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/jessica-chastain-misfires-in-melodramatic-actioner\/","title":{"rendered":"#Jessica Chastain Misfires in Melodramatic Actioner"},"content":{"rendered":"

“#Jessica Chastain Misfires in Melodramatic Actioner<\/strong>”<\/p>\n

\nAva<\/em><\/strong> fumbles its attempt to mix the standard globetrotting assassin formula with an intense family drama. A clich\u00e9-ridden script<\/a> with clunky dialogue devolves into a bullets and beatdowns soap opera. Jessica Chastain is formidable as always in a brutally physical lead performance. Her tremendous effort and all-star ensemble cast aren’t enough to rescue the film. The predictable narrative fails at a base level with sizable plot holes.<\/p>\n

Ava<\/em> opens near Paris with a lethal contract killer completing an assignment. Ava<\/em> Faulkner (Jessica Chastain<\/em><\/strong>) is unaware that the operation is being monitored. She contacts “management” to confirm the “client” has been taken care of. Her handler, Duke (John Malkovich), inquires about her mental state. Ava<\/em> is deeply troubled, but confirms everything is alright. She decides to return home to Boston after an eight year absence.
\nRELATED: Streaming This Weekend: Enola Holmes, Ava, Rogue Warfare and More<\/span>
\nAva<\/em>‘s sister (Jess Weixler) and hospitalized mother (Geena Davis) are stunned to see her. We learn that Ava<\/em> is a recovering addict who abandoned her family. She mysteriously left everyone and everything behind, including a fianc\u00e9 (Common) who is now her sister’s boyfriend. As Ava<\/em> struggles to reconcile with her past, Duke assuages “management” concerns. His superior (Colin Farrell) wonders if Ava<\/em> has become a liability to the company.<\/p>\n

The issues start early and continue throughout the film. The protagonist’s initial exposition is delivered via montage during the opening credits. We are spoon-fed that Ava<\/em> had substance abuse problems, but is now an ass-kicking hitwoman for an unnamed clandestine organization. Her damaged psyche and unresolved family conflicts are an obvious red flag. An elite killer would be able to sniff out a betrayal immedia<\/a>tely. Also, it’s nonsensical that Ava<\/em> can’t be easily killed at any point in Boston. The antagonists are always aware of her whereabouts. Ava<\/em> could be run over by a car, shot by a sniper, or had a piano fall on her head. There’s never a logical reason to engage such a dangerous adversary in single combat.
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\nThe interplay between Ava<\/em>, her family, and former lover is dreadful. The need for depth is understandable. The filmmakers wanted to give Ava<\/em> a personal connection to add dramatic heft; differentiate her character by adding a layered backstory. They were too ambitious in this regard. Ava<\/em> becomes mired in sluggish melodrama. The film grinds to a standstill between the bickering and crying. Any excitement generated by the action scenes are deflated like a balloon. Ava<\/em> repeatedly turns into a Lifetime movie of the week.<\/p>\n

Ava<\/em> has another family dynamic that is briefly explored. Colin Farrell’s baddie has a subplot with his own daughter (Diana Silvers). She’s a minor character, but also a part of the “management” structure. This part of the story is intriguing, but purposely kept under wraps for future installments. The groundwork is laid for a sequel. This is an arrogant presumption from the filmmakers. They add another element to an already muddled film.<\/p>\n

Jessica Chastain does a lot of heavy lifting to no avail. I can see why the character appealed to her. Ava<\/em> is tough as hell, but emotionally vulnerable. She’s more than a mindless killing machine. Unfortunately, the film built around her is significantly flawed. There’s too much going on and poor execution. Ava<\/em> would have been better realized as a television series<\/a>. Ava<\/em> is a production of Voltage Pictures and Freckle Films. It will be available September 25th on demand from Vertical Entertainment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nTopics: Ava, Streaming<\/p>\n

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Movieweb.<\/p>\n

\n\"Julian<\/p>\n