Salt

Director: Phillip Noyce

Starring: Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber

Over the years, Angelina Jolie has made her mark on the action genre. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Wanted were both box office successes and a lot of fun to watch. Salt finds Angelina in familiar action territory. It is just too bad that it is not as much fun.

Angelina is convincing as the story’s protagonist. I had no problem believing that her character was capable of defeating a small army while wearing a ridiculous wig. The action sequences were well executed. In particular, a scene involving a highway chase in D.C. had me on the edge of my seat. Liev Schreiber gave another quality performance. Hollywood will wise up one day and give this man his own franchise.

My biggest gripe with the film, besides some of the cheapest wigs I have ever seen, is the lack of attention to the story. There are very dramatic elements involving Salt’s childhood, love life, and her professional life that could have been developed further and would have invested me in Salt’s journey. With a serious premise, the action should be grounded in reality, a la the Jason Bourne films. Over the top, non stop action is easily digested with a comedic setting like Mr. and Mrs. Smith or a story with virtually no plot like Wanted. While dealing with Russian spys, life long missions, and the death of loved ones; back to back action sequences proved to be a distraction and removed me from the film's supposed seriousness.

Director Phillip Noyce has actually proven that he can handle espionage thrillers. In the 1990’s, he directed Harrison Ford in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. It would appear that Noyce was building on the success of Jolie’s previous efforts and providing what those audiences loved, lots and lots of action. It just so happens that this story had the potential to be more entertaining than the non stop thrills. If you enjoy this film, the plan is already in motion to make a series of sequels. In the end, Salt was just too salty for my taste.

*fashionadofilm score 5 out of 10

fashionadofilm Jamie Clemons