The 355 (2022)

When a deadly decryption program drive that can access any digital system on the planet is stolen. a group of international spies reluctantly band together in order to retrieve it and prevent a potential world war. Crosses and doubles crosses occur. Directed by writer turned director Simon Kinberg (X MEN: THE LAST STAND), the film received hostile reviews when it was released early this year so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Granted, it's a generic spy thriller with lots of action but what sets it apart is that the spies are all women and when they're played by such charismatic and attractive actresses like Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o and Fan Bingbing, it's easy to get sucked in. They're all good enough actresses to overcome the routine screenplay which offers few surprises. The script gives them just enough background to make them interesting rather than the usual chicks with guns flicks. The percussive underscore by Tom Holkenborg helps a lot. If you're bored with yet another Tom Cruise MI flick or Liam Neeson actioner, this might serve as a nice alternative. With Sebastian Stan and Edgar Ramirez.