Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart’s second movie together,American Ultra, premiered six years after the duo’s inaugural movie — and it’s the complete opposite of 2009’sAdventureland. Their earlier work affords a bittersweet,iconic coming-of-age moviebursting with romance. WhereasAmerican Ultrapresents a fast-paced action story and follows the antics of its titular characters, Mike and Phoebe, presenting a more lenient depiction of a love story.American Ultrawas deemed a box office failure, but the film offers plenty of engaging performances and thrilling action sequences throughout its 95-minute length, which makes it thoroughly entertaining.
Written by Max Landis, the movie is a unique spy thriller with action reminiscent of theKingsmanfranchise.It’s not difficult to understand whyAmerican Ultrahas gained a small cult followingsince its release, especially given that the film has attracted greater attention in recent years.Adventurelandis regularly ranked asone of Jesse Eisenberg’s best roles, but his later collaboration with Stewart is deserving of far more recognition. There is no doubt thatAmerican Ultracan accredit much of its strength to Eisenberg and Stewart’s on-screen chemistry, which is, for the most part, what brings this script to life.
American Ultra Is An Action Comedy Starring Jesse Eisenberg & Kristen Stewart
Max Landis and Nima Nourizadeh Create An Engaging And Introspective Story
American Ultracenters around two stoners, Mike and Phoebe, with Eisenberg’s character working at a local “Cash-N-Carry” convenience mart. Their lives are incredibly uneventful until the couple later discover they are targets of some troublesome government agents. On the surface, the script is rather predictable and ludicrous, butAmerican Ultraexecutes itself remarkably well. There are many elements at play in the movie but screenwriter, Landis, seamlessly balances them all — constructing a captivating story that is easy to follow. The 2015 motion picture has numerous deeply harrowing moments, which are blended with humor exquisitely to guarantee a thrilling viewing experience.
2009
89%
6.9/10
2015
43%
6.1/10
The movie presents a somewhat basic villain in Topher Grace, but his entitled CIA agent is crucial to the narrative. Adrian Yates (Grace) can often feel out of place in the intricate dynamic ofAmerican Ultra, potentially due to his relatively minor role. The actor is cast in many interchangable roles, but it is because he excels at playing the irksome villain.Grace’s role strengthens the relationship between Eisenberg and Stewart, elevating their performances and propelling the plot. Ultimately, the duo’s performances are the film’s true strength, bringing authenticity to an otherwise unbelievable scenario.
Eisenberg & Stewart’s Chemistry In American Ultra Is Just As Good As In Adventureland
Eisenberg and Stewart Elevate Each Other’s Performances
The romance inAmerican Ultrais heartfelt and unfiltered, gradually becoming the focal point of the narrative. The movie takes the softer, more subdued themes of romance and exacerbates it into something far grittier, with ounces more depth.Eisenberg and Stewart’s credible performances are owed to their preexisting dynamicfromAdventureland— the romantic aspect ofAmerican Ultrais a clear evolution from its predecessor. The couple is a team, but it’s obvious that Stewart functions as the mastermind behind their requital, which creates an intriguing kinship between them. In addition to this, there is an interesting reversal in both features.
American Ultrais simply a remarkable portrayal of romance that holds up well in the broader scope of narratives from that era.
WhereAdventurelanddedicates its second act to the relationship between its leads,American Ultra, to some degree, seems to go the other way.It is simply that Eisenberg and Stewart are wonderfully connected, andAmerican Ultrademonstrates the simplicity that often comes from young love. From watching Mike and Phoebe calling each other during the day to share a story, to sharing their troubles with each other, it’s a romance story that doesn’t feel forced or unconvincing.American Ultrais simply a remarkable portrayal of romance that holds up well in the broader scope of narratives from that era.
