Kick-Ass Action + Bullet-Proof Comedy

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2005)

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's new action/comedy/romance had quite a lot to live up to. Especially since it was (supposedly) on the set of this film that Pitt and Jolie mixed business with pleasure, resulting in Pitt's marriage breakdown (supposedly) and a hectic media-frenzy (definitely). Media speculation aside, 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' could stand on its own two feet, even if it weren't for the storm surrounding it.
Written by Simon Kinberg (also penning 'X-men 3') and directed by Doug Liman ('Go' and 'Bourne Identity') 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' is a film about two married spies who are currently in a 6-year rut and don't know each other's true identities. Having met while in Columbia, using one another as a cover from the local police, John and Jane Smith were married 6 weeks later; and now 6 years later they find themselves in marriage counseling because as Jane describes; "there's this huge spaceand it just keeps filling up with everything that we don't say to each other". Their already fraying marriage (a concept which stings a little in light of Pitt's divorce) is really put to the test when both John and Jane are sent after the same target, Benjamin Diaz aka 'The Tank' (Adam Brody  bringing his OC Seth Cohen to the big screen, quite a feat!)  The Smith's identify each other and suddenly all bets are off as they both race to eliminate each other for their respective, independent agencies. Dazzling car chases and magnificent gun-fights and explosions ensue, guaranteeing constant thrills and entertainment.
Pitt and Jolie are perfectly cast. It helps that both are delicious to look at, so much so that during the times they both share a shot, it's hard to decide where to direct your eyes! Nicole Kidman was originally cast for the role of Jane; and personally, I don't think the film would have been even half as good as it was if she had remained. The very nerves of Jolie's body are constantly smoldering; she has just the right combination of seductiveness, illusiveness and bravado which Kidman, I think, would have surely lacked. Pitt is perfectly cast as the other half of the Smith duo; his athleticism gives him credibility, and his gifted comedic talents are surprising but much needed in this film which could have gotten lost in the gun-fights and marriage angst if it hadn't have been for the black humor provided by Jolie and especially Pitt. The two definitely have chemistry; which I know is so far the understatement of 2005 and has already been said to death by many other critics. But it's true. A very short and tame sex scene which I predict was cut-back following the rumors of an affair, if lengthened and elaborated I think would have really given the game away about their feelings towards one another; because even the short, repressed scene we are left with hints at a definite sizzle! Vince Vaughn plays Pitt's handler, and while he is yet again playing the sporadic, unkempt funny-guy, he does it so well that you can't help laughing. Adam Brody has a very minor role, which is probably a good thing, because if I wanted to see him play Seth Cohen, I don't need to pay $13, I can just watch him on the OC.
All in all 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' is one kick-ass film. All the violence may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I liked it. Pitt and Jolie are freakin gorgeous and perfectly cast. And the elevating dark humor is well-timed and perfectly slotted in amongst the fist and gun fights, and explosions. 9/10