Red Sparrow Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

A middling effort for J-Law.

Red Sparrow
20th Century Fox

Considering how ubiquitous Jennifer Lawrence's presence seems to be in Hollywood, it's pretty surprising that she's only starred in four movies since The Hunger Games franchise ended back in 2015.

After every single one of these movies - Joy, X-Men: Apocalypse, Passengers and mother! - was met with a mixed critical and audience response, it's safe to say that she's counting on a rebound with her sexy new spy thriller Red Sparrow.

Well, she's not quite going to get it, for though the movie is certainly an enjoyable genre effort to a point, it's also handicapped by some sloppy mistakes and the fact that, well, it's really just OK overall.

It's not the home run J-Law and her fans were hoping for, but the film does at least give her space to turn in some compelling work, largely justifying the film's mixed-positive critical reception so far.

One thing's for sure, it'll get a better CinemaScore than mother! (which was just one of 19 movies to ever receive an F score)...

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.