“Salt” (starring Angelina Jolie in the titular role) is an action-adventure, roller coaster thrill ride, and it is also a transparent and predictable double-agent espionage film. I’m not going to spoil the movie and give away the plot. The movie does a good enough job on its own. Employing one of the oldest tricks in the book, the film confirms for the audience that Salt is a Russian sleeper double-agent agent very early in the film. I’m sure that wasn’t the filmmaker’s intention, thinking that he was being clever with the spider routine. But after seeing the spider for a second time in her New York hotel room, all of her actions after that weren’t only anticipated, but expected.
The only thing that I did wonder about throughout the movie is how much of a beating can one woman take? Even for a spy movie it was strange to me to see a woman subjected to that much violence. My curiosity got the best of me and I did a little research and found out that the role of “Salt” was originally written for a man—Tom Cruise. And sadly, since I’m not going to go into any detail about the plot, there really isn’t much else to say about the film.
The biggest surprise for me was the ending of the film—although obviously setting itself up for a sequel. It was as if the movie ran on too long; they didn’t know where stop it, couldn’t come up with a clever ending, and instead gave us an unexpected black screen with credits rolling. The near sold out audience I was with walked out in near silence, although I could still hear them grumbling with disenchantment.
Should you pass the Salt? I would say yes, and wait for it to come out on DVD, unless you’re a die-hard Angelina Jolie fan and love predictable action-adventure spy movies. I’ll have to give this one 2 fingers out of 5.
Hmmm...your summation of the "true' nature of the film was accurate; however, the idea that people were "grumbling" I am not so sure. I have heard only good things about it before I saw it. Also, the action elements, as you say "written for man", is not new for Angelina and maybe that's why she cud fit the role easily...think about her role in Mr and Mrs. Smith.
ReplyDeleteOverall, the ending was nuance...leading to the idea of a 2nd film but in my opinion I'm doubtful b/c the movie didn't have enuf for me to see a 2nd one offering anything extra special. In summary, I agree with your blog but I disagree that is was mediocre effort. I think overall, it was a good look of a film and definitely one Angelina cud fill.
Have a blessed day...