The Rhythm Section

Blake Lively is quietly carving out a spot for herself in Hollywood as one of the more role-diverse actresses out there. 

Over the last few years she has taken interesting roles in films that are probably far better than you'd expect and the result is that - again, quietly - she's become a somewhat surprising star that can lead smaller-budget vehicles. 

The Shallows is a good example of this and although I never caught it in theaters, I definitely enjoyed it when I caught it on TV. But films like A Simple Favor and even Age of Adaline (underrated IMO) both have proven to be better than expected and largely because of her. 

Unfortunately, The Rhythm Section, which represents another interesting turn for her, is not a film that's better than expected. It is, however, one made better by Lively's presence and willingness to play the part - but there's not much she could do here with the strange lack of energy the film has. 

As is the case with most of my "meh" reviews, this will likely be super short because there isn't much to say. The Rhythm Section is based on a novel (that I'll remember to avoid probably) and produced by EON Productions who are also responsible for the James Bond films. Female Bond, this is not. We learn that Stephanie lost her entire family in a plane crash in which she was not on board. Since then, she's thrown her life away by becoming a prostitute and getting addicted to drugs. When a reporter comes knocking to investigate the crash, claiming it was actually a bombing, she snaps out of it and decides to join forces with an ex-MI6 agent who's also tracking the men responsible. It's definitely a plot that could be interesting, but the main theme with The Rhythm Section is mediocrity. There's never anything bad or that has you thinking the movie sucks, but there's not much here to excite you either, despite how hard Lively tries. 

Trying desperately to get away from Ryan Reynolds? 

"You ever seen This is Us?"

A large reason for this is the film's pacing and energy. It feels like a slog, longer than it actually is, and spends a lot of time in the past via flashbacks that become increasingly repetitive. It can't quite make up its mind if it's a character study of Lively's character and her quest for redemption, or a spy origin story. It gets lost in the middle and ends up being dull because of it. There's a very long period of her training with Jude Law's character. It's not exactly exciting and a bit repetitive. Then there are a handful of "missions" she must go on to find the top bad guys. They're fine - and definitely more exciting than what's come before - but again, they lack energy and that special something that this film needs to stand out. Even the action is just...there. It's more realistic than you're likely envisioning, but not particularly brutal or intense for an R-rated film. A car chase through a shantytown is probably the most exciting bit, but even then I couldn't quite decide if I truly enjoyed it because the camera was locked in the car with Lively, providing a unique experience, but not one I'm sure worked 100%. 

What does work 100% is Lively. She's game for this role and elevates the film out of its mediocrity. She won't win any awards here, but you can just tell the film is better with her in it and it's refreshing seeing someone who's normally so beautiful be reduced to a role where that's certainly not the focus. It's still a forgettable film, so I'm not sure it's going to make her a household action star or anything, but she's still the best thing about it. 

The Rhythm Section was a disappointment really only because of Lively's track record to be in films that have been surprisingly better than I expected going in. That's really a testament to her ability to choose smart projects and different roles over the past couple years. And while The Rhythm Section is definitely a different role for her - that she does well in - the film around her is too forgettable and dull to the point where she can't save it. But hey, why don't we make Atomic Blonde 2 with her and Charlize side by side, huh?

CONS

• Lacks energy almost the whole way through
• Glacial pacing, particularly at the beginning. Feels longer than it is
• Boring action
• Wasn't a fan of the ending
• Spends way too much time in the past via repetitive flashbacks

PROS

• Handful of engaging action scenes
• Lively's performance and character will keep you watching
• Strong side-cast with Jude Law and Sterling K Brown
• Semi-decent original score (produced by Hans Zimmer no less)

Rath's Review Score | 5.5/10