Review of Jolt (2021) by Stream2Bigscree — 07 Sep 2021

Prime Video released a new action, thriller, Jolt this weekend. You don't even have to leave your home to see Kate Beckinsale kicking butt and not caring about names. Yes, Jolt is one of those action, thrillers but with a twist dealing directly with the lead character's mental health. Kate Beckinsale plays Lindy, a woman who has severe impulse control issues characterized as intermittent explosive disorder. She gets pissed and strikes out in an uncontrollable rage. Lindy has gotten her rages in check with a contraption she wears that will send a shock, or jolt of electricity, if you will, to her. In order to bring some normalcy to her life, Lindy goes on a date with Justin (Jai Courtney), who seems to be a nice guy and a prospect for a lovely future. When Lindy finds out the next morning that Justin was murdered, she sets out on a hunt to find his killer and avenge him. Fights and mayhem ensue.

Above, I gave you a quick plot synopsis. The issue with Jolt is that it makes absolutely no sense. Okay, someone avenging the death in a murderous rampage is par for the course of most action thrillers. The part that is ridiculous here is that Lindy has been on two dates with Justin. Why would she go on this long, violent odyssey to avenge his death? She barely knows him! It does not make any sense that she would do what she does in this movie. Yes, Kate Beckinsale is good, aside from the stupid blonde wig, and she is at least passable in the fight sequences, but the motivation of the character is unbelievable. Unfortunately, that's all there is to this movie.

There are two good things I will note: First, the runtime is short. I clocked it at an hour and 22 minutes, or so before the credits. Although, I do think that the movie goes on a bit after it actually should have ended. Otherwise, there isn't any wasted time. Second, predictably, there are two cops (Bobby Canavale and Laverne Cox) chasing Lindy as she tears through the city looking for Justin's killer. The best scene of the movie that made me laugh out loud took place during a chase scene between Beckinsale and Cox in a hospital. I won't spoil anymore than that. At the very least, that scene is a must see.

Ultimately, Jolt is a ridiculous thriller with a premise that doesn't make a lot of sense. The mental health issue of the lead is treated rather flippantly, but while there are good fight sequences, it doesn't add up to much. If you have an hour and 22 or so minutes free and nothing else to watch, then grab a handful of popcorn for this one should hold you.