Frothy Action Comedy for Brangelina Fans

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2015)

Most two-career marriages have their share of problems, but John and Jane Smith have a unique set. Seated before an unseen marriage counselor at the film's opening, John and Jane appear relatively normal, although for two young attractive people, their sex life is non-existent, and they seem somewhat cool and distant. Can this marriage be saved? At their lavish home, Jane fusses about the new green drapes, John hates the color green; despite his aversion, Jane serves him green beans and peas. An evening out at a party emphasizes that the misfit couple is equally ill at ease among their neighbors; despite lengthy protests, Jane takes a baby onto her lap, and each looks at the other like an alien close encounter.
The Smith's underlying problems surface when a seemingly inebriated John breaks into a poker game, and, separately, a leather-clad Jane strides into a hotel room and whips a kneeling handcuffed masochist. Unbeknownst to each other, the two married professionals are both highly successful dispatchers of unwanted people; a hit man and a hit woman. Famous as the film that spawned wall-to-wall Brangelina tabloid reporting, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, as though anyone within range of the Internet or cable news is not already well aware.
The film starts off well and, for at least the first half hour, is breezy amusing entertainment. Pitt especially seems to be enjoying himself; perhaps Angelina had already bewitched him. Unfortunately, the plot thickens and becomes confusing, violent action overwhelms the personal chemistry, and gimmicky gadgets stretch credibility. The film goes on far too long, and the joke eventually wears thin. However, Doug Liman's direction keeps the pace brisk, and the two leads play well together, although nothing on screen is remotely believable, and the story is already familiar from other movies. For most viewers, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" will provide frothy fun that will evaporate like soap suds before the credits roll. However, for die-hard Brangelina fans, this, their first co-starring epic, the movie that started it all, is a must-see.