Delivers What it Promises, No More, No Less.

Rating: 7/10 (15 September 2008)

If nothing else, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" put a big smile on my face. When analyzed, it might seem to be its own enemy. The script and musical choices prevent the action from being truly tense or awesome. Writer Simon Kinberg piles the scintillating quotes and revelations on top of the action, which undermines its ability to enthrall. The music is totally inappropriate for a normal action movie. None of that is a problem, because "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" does not have the same goals as they do. It is exactly what the title says it is, and that is not "Ultimate Deception," or "Married Assassins."
The movie begins innocently in a marriage counseling session. The therapist (William Fichtner) makes basic inquiries such as marital satisfaction and sexual frequency. His clients do understand the questions, reminding me of Spock's puzzlement towards "How do you feel?" at the beginning of "Star Trek IV."
They are, of course, John and Jane Smith (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or Bradgelina). The two do not communicate well. John always appears preoccupied and Jane apparently lacks the language to express her feelings. Despite their positive responses to the marital satisfaction query, they act nonchalantly towards each other. Since both are professional killers and neither knows it, they are unable to open up to each other as they live their numerous lies. "There's this huge space between us, and it just keeps filling up with everything that we don't say to each other," laments Jane as answers escape her.
"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" does not skimp on the setup, nor does the violence quickly follow their revelations of each others' real careers. The amusement continues as the movie plays coy with how they intend to resolve the dilemma. Possibly the best laugh comes when John arrives home for dinner and sees a most unusual item on the kitchen counter. The swanky dinner is a close second. None of the humor is presented in the Monty Python/Mel Brooks "I put it right in front of your face, now laugh" manner. It is merely there, hiding in plain sight waiting to be eaten layer by layer as one would a gourmet cake.
John Powell's score frequently employs accordions and violins harmonizing in happy movements. The absence of music can push the tension higher. The classic Bond vs. Grant fight in "From Russia with Love," and Bond vs. Janus brawl amid the finale of "GoldenEye" come immediately to mind. Most high-impact tussles are scored with loud, quick and intricate music employing prominent guitars, violins or horns, which is what most expect as Brad Pitt leaps through a threshold and into action. The contradictory elements assure the more fun, light-hearted feeling to the movie's marquee scene.
Try as they may, John and Jane cannot deny their feelings for each other. The entire movie works around that concept. The true climax is not the final action scene. Angelina Jolie continues to amaze me. She creates more genuine tears than most actresses can, and repeatedly does so in goofball scripts. Her talents extend far beyond a pretty face and popular body. The action icon won an Oscar and played the lead in "A Mighty Heart." Pitt plays the relaxed but serious character he does so wonderfully, but sometimes speaks too softly. Director Doug Liman repeatedly fails to amplify his voice. Both Pitt and Jolie use their strengths to embody their characters' massive internal conflict.
The rest of the acting is passable, except for Vince Vaughn, who works well with the resident oddball. His character, Eddie, lives with his mother and gives a pretty convincing argument as to why. Vince shows his comedic gift, but he is not as sharp as usual. Keith David's near-absence is disappointing.
I had no idea what to think when the credits rolled at the conclusion of my first viewing. Upon further review, I appreciate the white picket fence approach employed. Pitt and Jolie were not just big name castings, but inspired choices who drew upon their budding love for each other to build a solid cornerstone for the rest of the picture. It is never difficult to root for them. I tend to prefer action movies with more vicious feels; nevertheless, I am happy I saw "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and will continue to enjoy more viewings in the future.