A good time - saved by spectacular fight scenes, a colourful cast of supporting characters, and a great lead in Theron.

Even an actor as good as Theron can't turn a set of cynical commercial considerations into a character.

Charlize Theron works furiously to bring some small weight to a character so feathery she barely manages to remain attached to the screen.

The fight on the staircase, a single take that lasts several minutes, is a particular highlight. It draws humour from the violence, too, and James McAvoy is having a ball as an unhinged operative.