Salt
Video 
Editorial
Now, thanks to some help from real life, Salt doesn't seem so far-fetched. Well, apart from Jolie's Evelyn Salt having nothing to do with the daily drudgery of bureaucracy. Instead, this is the sort of post-Bourne spy who leaps onto moving trucks, casually wipes out assassins, and changes her appearance incessantly.
Happily, Salt does lurch enjoyably into the unknown, as we're invited to consider the prospect of Jolie, not as a heroine, but as a villain. Or, truth be told, something in-between as Noyce revels in keeping us guessing about Salt's motivations and actions. All of which wouldn't be possible without Jolie. The quality of her action flicks, from the Tomb Raider series to Wanted, haven't always matched her dominating presence. But it's clear that in terms of kicking ass and looking like she means it, she's without peer. That continues here, Jolie on impressively steely form as Salt, particularly in the second half, when Salt barely utters a word.
It's a shame, then, that the movie Noyce constructs around her isn't quite as rewarding. Admirable and brave as some of his story choices are, it's a lot easier to barrack for an adorable blonde who we think has been framed, than wrestle with our consciences while a cold-blooded brunette commits (or seems to) crimes against the state.
William Thomas
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Harry Georgatos
August 21, 2010
This concept of Russian sleeper/agents was done better with credible and engrossing storytelling in John Frankenheimer's THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE along with Roger Donaldson's NO WAY OUT. SALT is a popcorn rollercoaster blockbuster that's a cross between Jason Bourne and the first MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE. A great premise is dumbed down to undemanding teenagers. The car crashes in this film are straight out of THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM. What a great director like Oliver Stone would have made with this great spy premise.
Jill
August 23, 2010
I watched AT THE MOVIES on the ABC and the two critics gave Salt 4 stars. I then went to my local cinema to be bitterly disappointed in watching a mediocre film. This is the last time I listen to Stratton and Pomeranz. I think they gave it 4 stars because of the Australian Phillip Noyce factor. The characters are paper thin. I think "harry georgatos" is a better and more accurate and objective critic then Pomeranz and Stratton!
James
August 25, 2010
hear hear Jill - i scan these movies watching out for reviews from Harry Georgatos!! Oh, havent even seen Salt. :)
Rizal Dua Darah
August 30, 2010
I like these bombastic action/espionage efforts. All very predictable for someone of my age and wisdom, but I liked this new adrenalin-fuelled take on the 'sleeper agent'. It was a weekend of espionage for me as I watched The Ghostwriter as well. What a great filmic weekend of paranoia, spies, and conspiracy! ;)
Neil super slick 9
September 01, 2010
comes off looking like a video game movie.
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