American Ultra Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A super-stoned CIA agent accidentally becomes a deadly weapon, proving that sometimes the best government asset is also the most confused.

🍿 American Ultra: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Mike Howell

Mike Howell, a small-town stoner played by Jesse Eisenberg, lives a seemingly unambitious life with his girlfriend Phoebe. His days are spent working at a dead-end job and indulging in marijuana. He dreams of proposing to Phoebe but is plagued by severe panic attacks that prevent him from leaving town, a constant source of frustration and self-doubt. This establishes Mike as an unlikely protagonist, setting the stage for the extraordinary circumstances to come.

Activation of the Sleeper Agent

Unbeknownst to Mike, he is a product of a defunct CIA program called ‘Wiseman,’ designed to create highly skilled assassins. When a power-hungry CIA agent, Adrian Yates (Topher Grace), decides to eliminate the program’s assets, Mike becomes a target. Victoria Lasseter, Mike’s former handler, played by Connie Britton, intervenes and activates his dormant skills using a series of code words. This abruptly transforms Mike’s life, thrusting him into a world of violence and danger he never knew existed.

Survival and Discovery

As assassins are sent after him, Mike’s latent abilities surface, turning mundane objects into deadly weapons. He dispatches his attackers with surprising efficiency, much to his own shock. The experience throws Mike into a state of confusion as he begins to unravel the truth about his past and his relationship with Phoebe. It is revealed that Phoebe is also a CIA operative assigned to monitor him, further complicating matters and testing their bond.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg): A seemingly ordinary stoner, Mike is a CIA sleeper agent who is activated and must fight for his survival.
• Phoebe Larson (Kristen Stewart): Mike’s supportive girlfriend, Phoebe, has a secret connection to Mike’s past as a CIA agent.
• Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton): A CIA agent, Victoria, feels responsible for Mike and works to protect him from those who want him eliminated.
• Adrian Yates (Topher Grace): An ambitious CIA operative, Adrian sees Mike as a loose end and orders his termination.
• Laugher (Walton Goggins): A psychopathic assassin, Laugher is employed by Yates to eliminate Mike.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mike Howell: “I can’t even protect my girlfriend, how am I supposed to save the world?” – Mike expresses his self-doubt and inadequacy after realizing the danger Phoebe is in.
• Mike Howell: “What’s more important than people?” – Mike questions the values of the CIA’s methods when he learns the extent of their manipulation.
• Phoebe Larson: “Sometimes bad things happen to people who don’t deserve them.” – Phoebe’s poignant perspective on the unfair circumstances they find themselves in.
• Adrian Yates: “Sorry, but I’m in the middle of a hostile takeover here!” – Yates’s dismissive and sarcastic remark when questioned about his ruthless actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $28,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,440,985
• Worldwide Gross: $27,262,374

💥 American Ultra Reviews

Personal Review

I loved American Ultra! It’s like someone took Pineapple Express and threw it in a blender with The Bourne Identity. Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart are amazing together; I was rooting for them the whole time. The action scenes are insane, and the humor is spot-on. That scene in the grocery store? Hilarious! If you’re looking for a fun, crazy ride, this is your movie. I was glued to the screen from start to finish and it made me want to write my own superhero monkey graphic novel.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action comedies with a dark edge”
  • “Audiences interested in conspiracy thrillers with a stoner twist”
  • “Fans of movies like Pineapple Express and Kick-Ass”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong bloody violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “American Ultra blends stoner comedy with action in a stylish but uneven manner, with strong performances from Eisenberg and Stewart.
• Variety: “Despite a cool premise, American Ultra struggles with tonal consistency, never fully committing to either comedy or action, resulting in a muddled experience.
• IGN: “American Ultra is a fun, violent, and surprisingly heartfelt blend of genres, elevated by the charming chemistry between its leads.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the unique blend of stoner comedy and intense action.: The chemistry between Eisenberg and Stewart was praised as a standout element.

Regular viewers thought this movie was a fun blend of action and romance: Action scenes were highly praised

Overall Consensus: American Ultra is a mixed bag, appreciated by some for its unique blend of genres and the leads’ chemistry, while others found it tonally inconsistent and ultimately unsatisfying.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s title, ‘American Ultra,’ was almost ‘Apollo Ape,’ referencing the graphic novel Mike Howell is writing throughout the movie.”
• “Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart previously starred together in ‘Adventureland’ (2009), which helped establish their on-screen chemistry.”
• “As a promotional stunt at San Diego Comic-Con, Lionsgate gave away free marijuana to attendees with medical marijuana cards.”

🖥️ How to Watch American Ultra?

American Ultra is available for streaming purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred provider for current pricing and availability. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed American Ultra, you might like these similar films:

• Pineapple Express (2008): Combines stoner comedy with action elements, featuring a similar blend of humor and violence.
• The Bourne Identity (2002): Explores themes of government conspiracies, sleeper agents, and memory loss, with an emphasis on action and suspense.
• Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005): Features a couple with hidden identities and lethal skills who must work together to survive.
• Kick-Ass (2010): Features over-the-top violence and dark humor, appealing to audiences who enjoy unconventional action films.

🛒 American Ultra Related Products

• American Ultra [Blu-ray]: Own the high-octane action and quirky humor of American Ultra on Blu-ray. Includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes.
• Apollo Ape Graphic Novel: Inspired by Mike Howell’s graphic novel, this tells the story of the superhero monkey. Enjoy stunning artwork and an engaging storyline that mirrors the film’s themes.
• American Ultra T-Shirt: Show off your love for American Ultra with this officially licensed T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie. Available in various sizes and colors.
• American Ultra Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or entertainment room. Captures the essence of the film’s unique style.

🎧 Soundtrack

American Ultra features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Possession” – performed by Holychild
• “Pua Nani O Hawaii” – performed by Leimamo Fish and Michael Scott

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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American Ultra Official Weapon Trailer (2015) – Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart Comedy HD

Calling all action-comedy fans! This official trailer for ‘American Ultra’ will have you on the edge of your seat with its explosive stunts, witty dialogue, and a star-studded cast. Get ready for a thrilling ride!

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