The John Wick Problem
Ever since John Wick changed the landscape of action cinema, we have seen a steady stream of 'one-person-rampage' movies. Jolt is Amazon's attempt at that formula, adding a sci-fi twist with the electrode vest. The problem is that while John Wick had world-building and incredible stunts, Jolt mostly has neon lights and a protagonist who is perpetually annoyed.
Lindy, the bouncer at the center of the story, suffers from a condition that makes her pathologically violent. Her only solution is a specialized vest that shocks her back to reality. It's a metaphor for neurodivergence or mental health that the movie isn't quite smart enough to actually explore. Instead, it uses the vest as a way to reset the scene between fight sequences.
Stylized over Substance
If you're watching this for the action, you'll find it competent but uninspired. The film leans heavily into its 2021 aesthetic—lots of pink and blue lighting, fast cuts, and a driving soundtrack. It’s the kind of movie that looks great in a trailer but feels a bit hollow when you’re sitting through the second act.
For parents, the biggest 'watch-out' isn't just the violence, but the tone. It’s a very cynical movie. There’s very little warmth or humanity here, even in the relationship that triggers the revenge plot. If your teen is dead-set on an action movie, there are far better options that offer a bit more 'rope' for the brain to hang onto.
