This lesser-known stoner comedy starring Jesse Eisenberg is a rare gem

In recent years, few stoner comedies have been memorable enough to be lauded. Most would consider films such as Harold and Kumar go to White Castle and Pineapple Express for effectively and hilariously translating accounts of getting high in films. But Nima Nourizadeh’s American Ultra which stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart and Topher Grace among others is a rare stoner comedy that slipped through the cracks after a dismal box office performance and it’s our Lost and Found for today.

Set in West Virginia, the film revolves around Mike who’s grappling with an extremely boring job. He wants to escape his mundane life and dreary job but can’t as the idea of moving makes him go through panic attacks. He does find some solace in his long-term girlfriend Phoebe, who he intends to propose to but his curious condition restricts his plans. Things take a turn when the CIA activates a mind-control program on Mike, which inadvertently unveils skills that had remained dormant until then. He then finds himself struggling to survive as he has now become a target for multiple assailants. The satirical plot takes us on an all guns-blazing action comedy where Mike seems to struggle with his identity and his relationship while trying to dodge bullets and stay alive.

Writer Max Landis drew inspiration for the plot from a secret mission that was actually undertaken by the CIA in the 1950s dubbed MKUltra. The mission was an attempt to develop superior agents through mind control.

Jesse Eisenberg, best known for films such as The Social Network and Zombieland, feels comfortable in his skin here and Kristen Stewart, who has only recently managed to garner some critical acclaim, is unobjectionable in this film.

Going into American Ultra with measured expectations is advised. While it won’t redefine the genre, it will surely leave you pleasantly surprised and is also one of Jesse Eisenberg’s most underrated films.

You can stream American Ultra on Amazon Prime.

Well that's the OTTplay Lost and Found for today , until the next episode it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Meenakshi Suresh