an action comedy with obsolete action

Rating: 7/10 (24 December 2005)

Mouth-to-mouth advertising for this movie was full of prejudice also (see: "National Treasure") but in this case it's badly justified. The movie as a whole is unbalanced between action & comedy, but there are enjoyable bits nevertheless, so let's move on to the G-B-U section, shall we !
THE GOOD
The initial spoof of two professional assassins united in a phony marriage whilst unaware of each others hidden life naturally makes for (has to make for?) most funny moments, p. ex. after Jolie finishes off her target in the midst of an SM game, she joins the neighbour's welcome party while still wearing her kinky stockings - The first scene is also pretty amusing in its obscurity but most of the punch comes in retrospect - Some of the confessions swapped between the Smiths have some comedy value, especially with beacon Tank as a non-understanding witness - Jolie studying camera images of her mysterious opponent taking a leak in the desert.
The T&A department is exceptionally well covered thanks to Angelina Jolie handling guns dressed only in nice outfits such as undies & a male shirt. I'm told Pitt hasn't lost his appeal yet, but his haircut was horrible anyway.
THE BAD
Most action scenes. Played straightforward they could've saviored a "Mission Impossible" flavour, but all the shooting is mixed so heavily with tongue-in-cheek one-liners & marital arguing that nothing sticks. - The elimination story may be fairly logical but the hunters from both secret agencies out for the Smiths are far from memorable also.
THE UGLY
The 'sex' between Pitt & Jolie. Long live the R-rated movies, at least they know how to make use of attractive leads. - Jolie handling guns isn't really ugly but still Jolie handling guns in a good action scene would've been better. See how a right & a wrong don't always make a right? - Tank. He would've made for a good sidekick or saviour at some point. - the couple fight in the house. We're used to überphysics when it comes to the toughness of human tissue in relation to wall bashing & glass diving but I felt this scene overdid it. - the escape route from Jolie's agency. How subtle is breaking out of the top of the Chrysler building by rocket-powered cables?
To summarize; this is an action-comedy with cute leads, good comedy & bad action, so try to watch it as a comedy. The experience will be better.