Surprisingly Funny Romantic Comedy

Rating: 8/10 (11 June 2005)

In previous roles, neither Brad Pitt nor Angelina Jolie has shown that they have a flair for comedy. Because of this I was not expecting to laugh out loud while watching Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the much-gossiped about romantic comedy starring the two actors. But I did just that. Judging by the bursts of laughter from fellow moviegoers, I wasn't the only one who enjoyed this preposterously plotted flick.
The plot itself is somewhat absurd. A couple experience marital problems until they discover that they are both paid assassins who have been hired to kill one another. Putting aside the notion that the two actors are far too attractive to be paid assassins, it is difficult to believe that they could be married for five (make that six) years without knowing the other was a hired hit-man. Still, the movie is not meant for those questioning the quality of ideas coming out of Hollywood. This is a popcorn movie for those who want to escape the boredom of civilized suburbia.
What makes this movie work is the amazing chemistry Pitt and Jolie have on screen. There I said it. Sure I wanted to hate this movie for creating the tension that may have led, to the separation, of the world's most beautiful couple, but the truth is undeniable. Pitt and Jolie make a great couple - on film at least. The movie also benefits from some well-timed tongue-in-cheek screen writing and some fine comedic acting by Vince Vaughn. Vaughn plays John Smith's (Brad Pitt) faithful friend and sidekick and is mostly used as a comedic extra in the film.
The movie goes a little over board in the home-furnishing department, but I guess the producers were trying to appeal to the nation's indebted homeowners thinking of remodeling their abodes.