I gave it my best try, but I couldn't finish this movie.

Red Sparrow is basically La Femme Nikita with wooden acting, dodgy faux Russian accents and lifeless direction.

At first I thought this movie was a period piece given the look of "Russia" in this movie. The only thing more bleak and drab than the Russians themselves were the lifeless olive green and sickly urine yellow interiors like in Lawrence's apartment and the school where nothing seems to have been made post 1963. You do know Russia is a modern country, right?

Having been involved with dance for many years, I have to say that Lawrence as the curviest ballerina in dance history was quite jarring and took me right out of the picture. She was was not believable as a ballet dancer. Look at Natalie Portman in Black Swan and you're closer to the truth.

Stuff happens and Lawrence's evil uncle (I can only assume he's evil since he's a dead ringer for Putin - real subtle, guys) enrolls her in rape school which is led by a steely headmistress who is as much of a coldhearted automaton as any of the Russian characters in this movie. Halfway or so through the school sequence is where I gave up. I had no feelings whatsoever towards the main character (or any other character for that matter) and the story was incredulous beyond repair.

This movie brings back memories of thinly veiled propaganda movies from the Cold War period where valiant Americans and nefarious Russians faced off. Not much has changed.