Salt

I read an article in an established film magazine that claimed Angelina Jolie had the acting ability to play a female James Bond. Now I will let you tally off the many problems with that statement. But how many women do you know named James? I can’t think of any that I know of. With her performance in Salt, I don’t think she channeled the Bond films but instead showed she has the ability to be a, sort of, Ethan Hunt/ Tom Cruise international thriller type, without the dimples.

The film starts strong, introducing a far-fetched plot too crazy to be true. Jolie’s character, Evelyn Salt, is a federal agent accused by a defector of being a Russian spy. Though in an attempt to find her husband, she runs from government custody. The majority of the film’s front end is a spectacular chase scene. I couldn’t help but wonder how many tractor-trailers a person can leap on before they fall onto the freeway. But hey, if anyone can do it a blonde Jolie can. After the chase winds down, a maze of conspiracy and hairpin turns make for one tense result. The cast was solid throughout. One of the main strengths was the film’s willingness to let Jolie be ugly, dirty, and beat down. It was kind of unexpected to see the glamorous lead look so disheveled. In addition to her, I always expect good things from Liev Schreiber. However in this case, the more dynamic Chiwetel Ejiofor overshadowed him in the federal agent role.

The main issue with Salt is one that many in this genre encounter. The heart-pounding events cross the thin line between amazing and ridiculous. An army of Jedi would have a difficult time completing the tasks that Salt completes with hardly a hiccup. Plus, I like to believe that our federal agents and police officers, here in the U.S, would be able to prevent such incidents. But it is a movie and I understand that. I wonder if the sequel will be called “Salt & Pepper”… Har, har, har. (7.7 out of 10)