Mr. & Mrs. Smith --- B-movie gets A-list treatment

© 20th Century Fox

Title:
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (B-)
PH Release Date:
June 8, 2005
Actors:
Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Adam Brody, Vince Vaughn. Angela Basette, Kerry Washington
Director:
Doug Liman
Story and Screenplay:
Simon Kinberg and Jez Butterworth
Editor / Music:
Michael Tronick / John Powell
Design / Photography:
Jeff Mann / Bojan Bazelli
Producer:
Akiva Goldsman et al.
Studio:
20th Century Fox


© 20th Century Fox

Finally, the movie that started all rumors of an illicit affair is finally out. People have different reasons why they watched this movie. Some wants to simply see Brad or Angie or even Adam. Some wants to see an action/rom-com type of flick. Mine in particular is simple: just to see the one thing that can lead me close to the truth. And believe me, the truth is so in here!

Two assassins from two competing agencies, John and Jane Smith were married 5 or 6 years ago, and as any ordinary couple that lives in a mansion with no offspring, they found themselves alone with each other and terribly estrange from one another. Determined to make the marriage work they seek counseling, however, it isn’t the long expensive hours of sitting on the psychologist’s chair where they’ll find out each other’s secret, but on the field.


© 20th Century Fox

If I am Jennifer Aniston, I have all the reasons in the world to believe that he left her for the interrupted girl. First, he wants a baby, she has the baby. Second, he needs time, she’s got time. And now, this movie. They were like born to be onscreen together. Never a dull moment when they were with each other. If you see them for the first time in this movie, it’ll lead you to believe that they’re an item.

Angelina’s role was first cutout for Nicole. Fortunately, she’s out being a Stepford during that time, cuz this movie is far from what she’s all about. It’ll be a big risk for her, not entirely what she needs. Catherine Zeta-Jones was next on line, but failed to commit to the project. Finally, they gave it to her with some drawbacks; Brad may not be able to play the opposite role. Good thing everything worked out fine and we’re left with the wonderful opportunity to savor their sizzling chemistry together.


© 20th Century Fox

Despite the fact and the obvious attempt by the director to draw the full intention of the viewers to its stars, yours truly didn’t succumb to his effort, but to be quite frank, I almost did. The two won’t let you think about how crazy, dumb, and senseless the script is. Yes, the first half of the movie was teasing, exciting and made a good foundation for the flick but during the other half it became totally dim-witted. It was filled with never-ending mindless action sequences. The more shots taken, the more plot holes left behind. And believe me, they were quite a handful. (e.g. Who is Adam Brody? What are these two agencies? How come they are willing to risk it all, send dozens of troops, bomb houses and etc. for the sheer sake of extracting these two from the face of mother earth aside from the fact that they’re married rival assassins?)


© 20th Century Fox

Doug Liman went from dull and boring (The Bourne Identity), to lackluster and monotonous, not quite much of a leap. He’s just extremely privileged to have these two starts on board to cover-up for his inability to tell a story. He makes a lot of good action sequences, most of them copied, but they’re high-class. However, action scenes doesn’t make a movie sensible, it just keeps the audience dumb for some time.

The editing is okay, photography’s a lot better. Sound is fine. I did love the song choice for Brad. But aside from that everything ain’t nothin’ more than tolerable.


© 20th Century Fox

I’ve already stressed the unquivered truth that the team-up works. Now let’s give emphasis on the individual output. Brad is simply aging gracefully. He’s no way near 40. His sex appeal is unprecedented and he knows exactly what to do with it. The only thing the role asked from him is to look good and act cute, not much of a challenge if I may say so. Angelina’s got that something that nobody else in Hollywood possesses. She’s got that spunk, that attitude, that bad girl aura that makes her uniquely appealing. She can command every grown man to act like a little boy if she pleases. She showed that same intensity in this movie and I’m already sucking my thumb as I write, not that I qualify as a grown man. Adam Brody and the rest of the actors were nothing but extras. Adam showed nothing more than his usual tongue-tied antics.


© 20th Century Fox

If we’re in the middle of the Jen & Brad divorce trial and the judge accepted a copy of this movie as actual evidence, we all know what the verdict’s gonna be. This is the best example of how two A-list stars can make a B-movie worth seeing. This is Hollywood at its Hollywoodest. The two were just totally fun to watch despite the fact that midway through it started to suck. It’s a date movie and action-flick rolled into one so everyone can relate. There’s a new duo in town, and there’s no way they’re gonna let you leave your Eyes Wide Shut. Pave the way for Brangelina.


Grading Sheet:
Story – 14%
Screenplay – 12%
Direction / Execution – 15%
Acting – 18%
Technical Aspect – 15%
Total: 74% = B-