Seem to have seen many almost the same films over the past few years. Assassin with military background falling foul of her employers who turn on her. The only difference with this one was there is almost no story, why are people being killed, why turn on such a good operative. I would have walked out but it was raining
749 Reviews
Worth a watch but don't expect cinema gold
wmwheeler813 April 2021
This movie follows an assassin (Chastain) with a morality complex, alcohol and family problems, and questioning her own purpose. She is faced with her employers decision that she is now a liability and needs to be "closed".
Really the story isn't bad, but there is a looming overall question of how we got to this point that is only vaguely mentioned. The story moves along quick only giving the viewer enough plot not to question it. Not bad action. Chastain holds her own. Worth a go.
Really the story isn't bad, but there is a looming overall question of how we got to this point that is only vaguely mentioned. The story moves along quick only giving the viewer enough plot not to question it. Not bad action. Chastain holds her own. Worth a go.
Solid enough action hampered by an unnecessary subplot
Tweekums10 December 2020
This film is centred on Ava Faulkner, an assassin with addiction problems and a desire to know why her victims are being targeted. This latter quirk bothers her employers. Duke, her direct superior and father figure wants to protect her but others, higher up, believe she is a liability. After an operation goes wrong due to faulty intelligence she suspects that her employers want her dead. Duke tries to persuade her that she is just being paranoid. If that weren't enough there are problems with her family; her ex-boyfriend Michael, who is now her sister's fiancé, has gambling problems which have led to large debts.
I thought this started well and was intrigued by Ava's life as an assassin... I assumed that the plot would eventually lead to who her employers were and what their motives were. Instead it led to the unnecessary subplot involving Michael; this felt a distraction from the main story, as if the makers thought they had an hour's worth of material and needed to pad the film out to an hour and a half. It is a pity they didn't pad it with a bit more action connected to the main plot as what we got there was exciting and well-choreographed; the fights had an impressively physical feel to them. There are of course plenty of clichés but that goes with the genre. Jessica Chastain gives an impressive performance as Ava and John Malkovich and Colin Farrell are solid as Duke and antagonist Simon respectively. Geena Davis is fun as Ava's mother, although her presence made me think of her lead in 'The Long Kiss Goodnight'; a superior female lead action film. Overall it passes the time well enough if you are a fan of the genre but is hardly a must see.
I thought this started well and was intrigued by Ava's life as an assassin... I assumed that the plot would eventually lead to who her employers were and what their motives were. Instead it led to the unnecessary subplot involving Michael; this felt a distraction from the main story, as if the makers thought they had an hour's worth of material and needed to pad the film out to an hour and a half. It is a pity they didn't pad it with a bit more action connected to the main plot as what we got there was exciting and well-choreographed; the fights had an impressively physical feel to them. There are of course plenty of clichés but that goes with the genre. Jessica Chastain gives an impressive performance as Ava and John Malkovich and Colin Farrell are solid as Duke and antagonist Simon respectively. Geena Davis is fun as Ava's mother, although her presence made me think of her lead in 'The Long Kiss Goodnight'; a superior female lead action film. Overall it passes the time well enough if you are a fan of the genre but is hardly a must see.
Michael ruined the film!
peter-laganis26 August 2020
The first 30 minutes were really promising.
Good action, suspenseful vibe, great acting... but as soon as one of the secondary character Michael appears, everything flops.
Not only because of his insecure and awkwardly mediocre acting, which reminded me of some cheap drama or love story soap opera... but because he represents an entry point into Ava's past. A boring past which has nothing to add to the story or her character.
So if we crop off all the family stuff and stick to the action... then it could be a solid 7. In stead it is a poor 6.
Worth mentioning: Jessica Chastain and John Malkovich performances are great. Colin Farrell somehow sticks to his (good) average, but who really disappoints is Geena Davis. Her approach personally felt to me like "Let's make it clear - I'll say some words, get the money and leave."
So if we crop off all the family stuff and stick to the action... then it could be a solid 7. In stead it is a poor 6.
Worth mentioning: Jessica Chastain and John Malkovich performances are great. Colin Farrell somehow sticks to his (good) average, but who really disappoints is Geena Davis. Her approach personally felt to me like "Let's make it clear - I'll say some words, get the money and leave."
Cliché After Cliché...
tccandler22 August 2020
Jessica Chastain plays an international hit-woman. John Malkovich is her handler. It sounds like a Luc Besson thriller in the making. It's not. This is a ludicrously hard-to-believe story with soap-opera level writing and stiff performances all around. Everyone has a haunted past... infidelities... alcoholism... gambling addiction... cliché after cliché. At no point did anyone convince me of their character. This feels like the first draft in a college freshman's scriptwriting class.
Quite generic and nothing special, but entertaining in the moment
ethanbresnett20 December 2020
Ava is one of those films that is enjoyable, but will quickly be forgotten. It doesn't have any major or glaring flaws, but equally it doesn't have anything extra special that makes it stand out.
I absolutely love Jessica Chastain as an actress, and so she was the highlight for me. I thought she brought a good performance to a character who, despite not being too developed, had enough to maintain my interest.
The story felt very familiar. If you're into the action genre, you won't find anything ground breaking here. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable. It was fun to watch, it just hasn't left a lasting impression on me.
In terms of the action, once again it was exciting, but it wasn't anything new. There were some pretty decent set pieces and some good fight choreography, and the action was well paced throughout.
Ultimately I'm happy I watched Ava. It kept me entertained for an hour and a half, and at the end of the day isn't that why we watch films?
I absolutely love Jessica Chastain as an actress, and so she was the highlight for me. I thought she brought a good performance to a character who, despite not being too developed, had enough to maintain my interest.
The story felt very familiar. If you're into the action genre, you won't find anything ground breaking here. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable. It was fun to watch, it just hasn't left a lasting impression on me.
In terms of the action, once again it was exciting, but it wasn't anything new. There were some pretty decent set pieces and some good fight choreography, and the action was well paced throughout.
Ultimately I'm happy I watched Ava. It kept me entertained for an hour and a half, and at the end of the day isn't that why we watch films?
Poor casting and poor production
fallyhag21 August 2020
I like Chastain as an actor bit this is not her genre. This film felt very cheap. The story dull, the direction amateur and the action scenes were really really bad. You could see the fight scenes coming from a mile away. The poor story telling was so bad that the excuses to have a fight we're incredibly lame.
I can't explain why so many top actors took part in this cheese fest. I got goose bumps as they had to blurt out their awful lines. The whole thing just felt B-Roll amateur. Not recommended.
I can't explain why so many top actors took part in this cheese fest. I got goose bumps as they had to blurt out their awful lines. The whole thing just felt B-Roll amateur. Not recommended.
Reviews on here are harsh
tracy-9732012 December 2020
The 1 and 2 star reviews are just ridiculously harsh, I've seen worser films that ppl rave about like they are some film connoisseur...it's a decent action flick...a bit like a female version of John wick but a bit more gritty...cuz let's be honest the John wick story lines are hardly riveting just lots of bullets but they still made 3 of them. She's a decent actress & does a pretty awesome job of being bad ass but not in your hair/make up always perfect cliche kinda way.
If you wanna watch a simple story line, with a good bit of fighting & a steady 1hr30 entertainment then just give it a watch & ignore the absurdly harsh reviews on here
Certainly worth watching!
thsmith-7394012 December 2020
I can't understand all the negative reviews?! It was similar to watching a female John Wicks, action, fighting, loads of people getting shot, and a good story. If you are into that type of film, it's worthwhile watching. Look forward to the sequel!
The curse of IMBD!
performancehuntershow8 January 2021
Thanks a lot folks! Came to IMDB for help and what did I get? Ying and yang reviews, I took a chance and I proceed with caution but was pleasantly surprised with this film as I didn't expect much, but it is watchable.
Just... don't.
nirohonyi21 August 2020
I could write and explain the how absurdity bad this movie is - from absolutely incoherent storylines, to fights that are so edited and cut, that they are impossible to understand - but I'm just gonna put this as clear as possible: Don't waste your time.
Oh, by the way, a secret assassin's organization would have operatives that are, let's say, good at their job?
Andwhoever the choreographer for the "fight sequences" was, he/she was definitely not a vet, or even a martial arts fighter with understanding of how a REAL fight flows.
Here's to you Colin Farrell, and you Glock with a REFLEX SIGHT and ridiculous suppressor. You stealthy, sneaky, sneaky assassin's.
Oh, by the way, a secret assassin's organization would have operatives that are, let's say, good at their job?
Andwhoever the choreographer for the "fight sequences" was, he/she was definitely not a vet, or even a martial arts fighter with understanding of how a REAL fight flows.
Here's to you Colin Farrell, and you Glock with a REFLEX SIGHT and ridiculous suppressor. You stealthy, sneaky, sneaky assassin's.
Boring and cliché
expe6721 August 2020
No real reason for this movie to be made.100% predictable,no likeable characters,no one to root for,chastain kicks ass just about everyone but does not seem strong or body trained,the whole thing is laughable.she also does not possess the star power to like her regardless.boring and stupid.
A 5th grader could've written this better
Top_Dawg_Critic6 December 2020
How and why would you take a hit-man (hit-"person" to be politically correct) genre that's been done so many times before, screw it up, AND turn it into a soap opera?
I mean this whole Michael thing is straight out of "Days of Our Lives". Why not create a heartfelt conflict between the sisters and their mom, instead of just seemingly-random cast Common as Michael. Like my heading says, a 5th grader could've written (and directed) this better. I get that actor/trying-to-become-a-writer Matthew Newton is a newb, but to have such an all-star talent line-up, you'd think he would've at least had a seasoned writer proofread the script to avoid embarrassment. His screenplay was riddled with plot and technical issues, it was convoluted, and borderline laughable. Only in the last approx. 15 mins did it grab and hold my attention.
To make matters worse, actor/trying-to-become-a-director Tate Taylor failed miserably in directing his cast, and certain scenes were horribly directed. Don't get me started on the lame action scenes. Right from the start, Jessica Chastain was unconvincing as an assassin, and I know in front of a seasoned director, she would've nailed it. Even A-list actors need direction in scenes. With Taylor, her fight scenes were phony, as was her character.
I feel really bad for the A-listers having this mess on their resume. This type of filmmaking is more suited for the Steven Seagal and Bruce Willis has-been B-movie type actors. Now, watch seasoned filmmaker Luc Besson's "Anna", who cast (as a lead!) never-heard-of amateur actress (in her first-ever acting role) Sasha Luss, and his writing, directing and action scenes will blow your mind, especially compared to this mess! The moral of this story here is, don't blow your money on A-list actors in hopes they will make your film a success; instead, put that money towards film school, then cast a Sasha Luss type newb actor, and you'll have a better chance for a successful film. It's a very generous 6/10 from me - mostly out of pity for the A-listers.
I mean this whole Michael thing is straight out of "Days of Our Lives". Why not create a heartfelt conflict between the sisters and their mom, instead of just seemingly-random cast Common as Michael. Like my heading says, a 5th grader could've written (and directed) this better. I get that actor/trying-to-become-a-writer Matthew Newton is a newb, but to have such an all-star talent line-up, you'd think he would've at least had a seasoned writer proofread the script to avoid embarrassment. His screenplay was riddled with plot and technical issues, it was convoluted, and borderline laughable. Only in the last approx. 15 mins did it grab and hold my attention.
To make matters worse, actor/trying-to-become-a-director Tate Taylor failed miserably in directing his cast, and certain scenes were horribly directed. Don't get me started on the lame action scenes. Right from the start, Jessica Chastain was unconvincing as an assassin, and I know in front of a seasoned director, she would've nailed it. Even A-list actors need direction in scenes. With Taylor, her fight scenes were phony, as was her character.
I feel really bad for the A-listers having this mess on their resume. This type of filmmaking is more suited for the Steven Seagal and Bruce Willis has-been B-movie type actors. Now, watch seasoned filmmaker Luc Besson's "Anna", who cast (as a lead!) never-heard-of amateur actress (in her first-ever acting role) Sasha Luss, and his writing, directing and action scenes will blow your mind, especially compared to this mess! The moral of this story here is, don't blow your money on A-list actors in hopes they will make your film a success; instead, put that money towards film school, then cast a Sasha Luss type newb actor, and you'll have a better chance for a successful film. It's a very generous 6/10 from me - mostly out of pity for the A-listers.
30% Action 70% Telenovela
carlos5128 August 2020
Ava Starts AWESOME with great international spy assassin action, though it fast lost heat, getting to the level of a soap opera drama with unbelievable amount of tears that i could not like.
It should have stayed on track with action, but no.
Still, i can admire the effort and above all the all-star cast, that includes the always beautiful Joan Chen, as well as old time fave John Malkovich who fought pretty good when his time came.
Jessica Chastain in her main character role as well as her nemesis Colin Farrell also did a good work, as expected from them.
The cast even includes two Oscar winners: rapper Common and the forever gorgeous Geena Davis, who at 64 even looked more elegant and stylish than the much younger Chastain during the scene where the two women played cards.
So, as you can infer, cast is not a problem. Problem (in my eyes) was the plot that did make this flick and all action thriller. Because the tears and the telenovela subplot deflate the excitement, preventing the film to reach an awesome peak that would have made it truly memorable. That - sadly - did not happen.
Nevertheless, the Ava is acceptable, probably the best in offer in cinemas right now. I'd say it'd be worth of your bucks and time.
It should have stayed on track with action, but no.
Still, i can admire the effort and above all the all-star cast, that includes the always beautiful Joan Chen, as well as old time fave John Malkovich who fought pretty good when his time came.
Jessica Chastain in her main character role as well as her nemesis Colin Farrell also did a good work, as expected from them.
The cast even includes two Oscar winners: rapper Common and the forever gorgeous Geena Davis, who at 64 even looked more elegant and stylish than the much younger Chastain during the scene where the two women played cards.
So, as you can infer, cast is not a problem. Problem (in my eyes) was the plot that did make this flick and all action thriller. Because the tears and the telenovela subplot deflate the excitement, preventing the film to reach an awesome peak that would have made it truly memorable. That - sadly - did not happen.
Nevertheless, the Ava is acceptable, probably the best in offer in cinemas right now. I'd say it'd be worth of your bucks and time.
Average storyline but good acting
kkrao-0271631 December 2020
Some people needed a pandemic paycheck
mitch_phxaz22 August 2020
An entertaining & fun spy thriller.
SamJamie29 January 2021
An assassin becomes marked for death by her black ops organization after questioning orders and breaking protocol.
"Ava" brings the action and espionage elements of a classic spy thriller blended with family-based drama. The mixture of the two isn't always seamless but it doesn't make the film any less entertaining. Chastain is great as the lead with her opportunity to participate in the genre, bringing the charisma and star power that saves the day for Ava. Otherwise, it's an unimaginative plot with less thrill and many clichés. Ava's atmosphere is due entirely to its compelling action sequences and strong supporting performances... Farrell did a great job and there's a wonderfully acted scene between Geena Davis and Chastain towards the end.
"Ava" brings the action and espionage elements of a classic spy thriller blended with family-based drama. The mixture of the two isn't always seamless but it doesn't make the film any less entertaining. Chastain is great as the lead with her opportunity to participate in the genre, bringing the charisma and star power that saves the day for Ava. Otherwise, it's an unimaginative plot with less thrill and many clichés. Ava's atmosphere is due entirely to its compelling action sequences and strong supporting performances... Farrell did a great job and there's a wonderfully acted scene between Geena Davis and Chastain towards the end.
Want to know if you'll like this?
mikeferguson12 December 2020
Take this test: Did/do you like Geena Davis in The Long Kiss Goodnight? Zoe Saldana in Colombiana? Blake Lively in The Rhythm Section? Anne Parillaud in (La Femme) Nikita? Angelina Jolie in Salt? Gina Carano in Haywire? If you said "yes" to three or more of these, then I suggest you give this a try - because I think you will understand it and appreciate it, more than the troglodytes who've given it such a low rating. Oh, and a quick side note: the quiz beginning with "did/do" is just a reflection of my personal belief that the movies we love exist simultaneously in two dimensions of time; like any work of art, they can't only be referred to in the past tense. Peace!
Overall done well.
seansez-1607322 August 2020
Not sure i agree with the bad reviews. Good acting,Good fight scenes, Watchable roles by solid actors. Bit short and sweet straight to the point movie. Seen a lot worse with huge budgets. Worth your time in my opinion. Defo gets better as it moves along.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Forgettable n unconvincing film laden with family melodrama n cliches aft cliches.
Fella_shibby4 September 2020
Female assassin on the run, history of brutal kills, ex military, etc...the list goes on n there r many similar movies. But when u make a movie on a bad ass female assassin pls dont put family melodrama n cliches aft cliches. The hand to hand combat is not choreographed well, the film is devoid of tension n suspense n the worst is the piece of cake assasination plan.
Jessica Chastain aint convincing as an assassin.
As a fan of Colin Farrell, i got disappointed. Well, he is in good shape but the footage is very less.
So ther is a scene wher the character of Chastain is narrating her alcohol abuse n childhood stuff in a group therapy and jus when poor Tony's turn came to share, the camera cut off, how selfish man.
Gena Davis played an assassin in Long Kiss Goodnight n sad to see her in bad condition, very old n with those plastic surgery lips.
The woman who played Chastain's sis (she was ther in Teeth n It) has a very chubby face n poor ol John Malkovich talking as if he is wheezing but he does get to kick some ass.
Got fooled by the big names
vagarwal1007 December 2020
It doesn't tred new ground, but treds old ground competently
jackdeth_200630 December 2020
Assassin films are a genre to themselves at the moment. This one has the full on assassin 'industry' structure of John Wick, but never reaches those heady heights.
Chastain and Malkovich turn in good performances and Colin Farrell doesn't do a bad job either.
The human element of this film centres around Ava returning to her home and family who have all changed significantly since she left, but this emotion pit is an element of the film that doesn't work so well, although Gena Davis still puts in a good performance there.
The sub plot around a bizzare love triangle never really does anything but slow the film down and the gambling issue alone could have provided what was needed without all the additional angst.
It's certainly not a bad action film. The fight scenes are well choreographed and don't resort to Matrix style martial arts, and the characters slow down as the fight continues which is something a lot of action films get wrong.
It doesn't do anything new for the assassin genre but its not the worst film in it. If you're looking for a decent popcorn film, you could do better; but you could also do a lot worse.
Chastain and Malkovich turn in good performances and Colin Farrell doesn't do a bad job either.
The human element of this film centres around Ava returning to her home and family who have all changed significantly since she left, but this emotion pit is an element of the film that doesn't work so well, although Gena Davis still puts in a good performance there.
The sub plot around a bizzare love triangle never really does anything but slow the film down and the gambling issue alone could have provided what was needed without all the additional angst.
It's certainly not a bad action film. The fight scenes are well choreographed and don't resort to Matrix style martial arts, and the characters slow down as the fight continues which is something a lot of action films get wrong.
It doesn't do anything new for the assassin genre but its not the worst film in it. If you're looking for a decent popcorn film, you could do better; but you could also do a lot worse.
What you would expect..... but
dhampton275031 December 2020
Jessica chastain.... very few work as hard as she does, and it shows. Geena Davis, love ya. All good until the last 10 minutes or so.... goes off the rails and never comes back. Terrible sequel setup. Feels like the funding ran out. Seriously though, JC, I am always impressed with your performances.... always real and believable. You make me feel what the characters feel. I give you and Geena 10's..... the films as a whole looks like a 6. Probably a 7 until the end.....I enjoyed it, thank you.
Risible
dierregi23 September 2022
I had some hope for this movie since it stars the great Malkovich, the talented Chastain, and the usually OK Farrell, but I knew I was going to be disappointed already from the beginning.
A blonde-wigged Chastain, working as an unlikely professional driver picks up a guy at the airport, starts flirting with him, and within minutes proposes stopping in a field to have sex. That is so likely to happen - but in a PORN movie.
Not only that, but once we've established Ava is your cliché indestructible professional assassin, she asks the target why somebody wants him killed - something all hired killers must be very curious about - and to compound the previous felonies, she shoots him inside the car, with the windows closed, getting only a tiny splash of blood on her finely chiseled cheek.
After this idiotic start, you know this is the usual post- #meToo crap about a tiny woman who can beat guys twice her size in hand-to-hand combat, who can kill 15 shotgun-armed guys with a pistol, who can escape from Saudi Arabia wearing red, certainly not a conspicuous color in an ultra-conservative Muslim country and the cherry on the crap cake is her ethnic ex-love interest, needed like a hole in the head.
A blonde-wigged Chastain, working as an unlikely professional driver picks up a guy at the airport, starts flirting with him, and within minutes proposes stopping in a field to have sex. That is so likely to happen - but in a PORN movie.
Not only that, but once we've established Ava is your cliché indestructible professional assassin, she asks the target why somebody wants him killed - something all hired killers must be very curious about - and to compound the previous felonies, she shoots him inside the car, with the windows closed, getting only a tiny splash of blood on her finely chiseled cheek.
After this idiotic start, you know this is the usual post- #meToo crap about a tiny woman who can beat guys twice her size in hand-to-hand combat, who can kill 15 shotgun-armed guys with a pistol, who can escape from Saudi Arabia wearing red, certainly not a conspicuous color in an ultra-conservative Muslim country and the cherry on the crap cake is her ethnic ex-love interest, needed like a hole in the head.
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