In the past few years, Netflix has seen a rise in content in the form of tv shows and films. They've gone from Oscar-worthy features such as Da 5 Bloods to the realm of action films, the most recent addition being The Old Guard.
Not only did the Old Guard deliver on the action, but it also gave star Charlize Theron one of her best action film-related performances. Looking through her filmography, however, makes one wonder if she already achieved that goal. Here are five ways The Old Guard is Charlize Theron's best action movie and five better alternatives.
Old Guard: Epic Action
Usually, what drives an action-adventure film is, obviously, the action. Without the glorious set pieces, jaw-dropping fights and brutal battles, action flicks wouldn't be as popular or loved as they are. The Old Guard falls perfectly into that category.
Actors like Charlize Theron shine in action scenes, leaping into the fray and bringing the film to life. Theron swinging her battle ax through a man's chest in a brutal fashion is enough to make an action fan's eyes tear up in joy at the sight.
Alternative: Hancock
Boasting spectacular brawls between heroes and villains, comic book films nearly always deliver on the action, with some like Hancock bringing more to the table than others.
When Theron, a superhuman like the titular character, goes toe to toe with Will Smith in a battle that nearly devastates an entire city, fans' jaws dropped. The action combined with Theron and Smith was more than enough to make this a worthy action film.
Old Guard: Multiple Eras
Acting for anyone, inexperienced or experienced, is a monumental task on its own. To play multiple roles or facets of the same character that are vastly different from one another in a single movie is a herculean feat only a few actors have managed to accomplish.
In The Old Guard, Theron only portrays one character but given her immortal status, the role spans multiple eras. As such, Theron is pushed through one scene after another of portraying a different version of the same character and achieves it masterfully.
Alternative: Fate Of The Furious
Actors usually have a specific kind of character they were made to play. Some work well as comic relief while others strive as the grim and serious protagonist. Yet, many actors manage to walk the line and play different forms of characters.
In the case of Charlize Theron and Fate Of The Furious, it's the rather unexpected role of the villain that she sells flawlessly. Going from being a performer most people typically root for to the one everyone wants dead is quite the turnaround and one she handles beautifully.
Old Guard: Great Humor
There are multiple components to take into account when creating an action film, all of which are important to making it work and click with the audience. A key part of any action film is in fact the comedy. Without comedic moments to lighten the mood, the films would simply be dark and lifeless.
Luckily, Theron has a bit of a funny bone in her as displayed in The Old Guard. She and the movie combine a gritty tone with dry and hilarious humor that helps to carry and drive the feature film.
Alternative: The Italian Job
At some point in time, Hollywood became obsessed with cars in films. Whether it be Dominic Toretto and his family or another team of drivers, high-speed films seem to be a commonplace occurrence in films and surprisingly, Charlize Theron has been in two different ones.
Before doing Fate Of The Furious, Theron starred in a fun, high octane heist film The Italian Job. Filled with great jokes and comedy sandwiched between action and thrills, The Italian Job remains one of Theron's best and most enjoyable flicks.
Old Guard: Serious Moments
Every film has the one part that seems to slow everything down. These serious moments ground the story, revealing the true natures and identities behind the characters in a mix of backstories and oftentimes flashbacks.
Theron's Andy is thousands of years old and has been through countless of terrible situations. It makes for one heck of a backstory that makes Andy a stronger character, giving way for serious and powerful acting moments from Theron.
Alternative: Atomic Blonde
A sad truth of Hollywood is simply that it's rare for audiences to see a female protagonist be badass for an entire film. While there are definitely badass female protagonists in scores of films, they often share the spotlight with other actors or protagonists, falling into the background.
In Atomic Blonde, Charlize Theron's performance takes the spotlight in a film rife with emotion, suspense, and incredible action from the minds behind John Wick. It is a well-paced film that gets the most out of Theron as its protagonist.
Old Guard: Uniqueness
Most action films contain typical plots and characters that have been seen time and time again, with typical tropes and clichés dragging the movie through the works.
What The Old Guard gets right are its plot and characters. While there have been immortal warriors in films, The Old Guard is able to bring it to new heights with its unique characters and story, largely brought to life by Charlize Theron.
Alternative: Mad Max: Fury Road
Throughout the history of film, there will always be films that push and define the word "cinema." Films so crazy, well-executed, and acted that they deserve their own genre. Mad Max: Fury Road is one such film.
Not only does it contain insane practical effects and an excellent story for an action film, the movie is carried not by Max but by Furiosa, brilliantly played by Theron. Bringing both emotional depth and epic action, Charlize Theron stepped on the gas and brought viewers along for one crazy ride.