Palpable Homoeroticism

Rating: 8/10 (8 January 2013)

This was, much to my surprise, a delight to watch, not because of the Action conceit that this movie promises, but mostly, seeing Tom Cruise enjoying himself around such handsome male villains. One of the more exciting discoveries in recent years is the talented young Australian, Jai Courtney. The sexual tension between these two very athletic, very angry men with automatic weapons is palpable. They are each trying to emasculate the other, proving in the end that the Alpha male is, of course, Tom Cruise. The guns are dropped and fisticuffs ensue in Mr. Courtney's final scene -- this is one of the finer moments of male-to-male contact in recent cinema. It's the closest Tom will get to admitting that he enjoys the touch of male skin, and it is exciting to watch. Elsewhere, Ms. Pike needed someone to adjust the length of the belt on her short trench coat as she walked down the corridor, but otherwise, some strong male performances that make this a thoughtful, testosterone thrill ride. Clever casting with Werner Herzog and Robert Duvall as well! I'm sure they both enjoyed their Paramount paychecks, very much.