audience cheered

Rating: 10/10 (25 July 2010)

If you are looking for total realism stand at a bus stop for two hours. It's free. Seriously, I remember one of some well known critic's favorite films was of watching someone paint a painting for three hours. If you are looking for a film that is more James Bond than James Bond with a little Bourne thrown in then see Salt. But you will have to wait and see how this film turns out and who the real heroes are. The film is nothing like Shutter Island or Inception which were good but were psychological and mind bending films and are not thrillers. It is certainly nothing like Toy Story either which is a kid's film. There is no point to try and compare it to films that are not in the same genre. This is not a film for people preoccupied with gender, age, always trying to make a new concept or other things. It is a film full of imagination and excitement. It is great to see a film directed with no CGI. It is just done better, more interesting and was a surprise. Also, It is also interesting that a major Russian spy ring was broken up in the US this last month.
Jolie starts slowly and picks up speed like a railroad train. She is the best actress, hands down, of the era with films like this, Changeling, Mighty Heart and Beyond Borders. Jolie could get nominated for this film. She is completely versatile and pulls viewers with imagination into her films perhaps the best in Hollywood history over her career. Amazingly there is a major physical appearance change she makes in the film that I believe even her physical appearance at the Hollywood premiere was supposed to be slightly deceptive and made the movie physical change even more interesting. There was a point where I noticed early in the film that Jolie's face seemed so much slimmer than usual and not her usual self. After a scene regarding teeth, you will be surprised at a physical appearance change, . Then there was even another change later in the film. The film rocks and rolls and is quite the opposite of the image of mindless American girls on their cell phones 24/7 who have no individuality. In reality, this is an inspiring action packed performance. There is so much depth to her character, intensity, mystery, and excitement. It is written that way but only Jolie can bring it to life.
A subtle look from Jolie can mean so much. I believe it is Jolie's intelligence, knowledge of world affairs, and experience in foreign countries and war zones in real life that allows her to be so much more intense and interesting than most actors.
Great action thriller. The director did not feel the need to try and be falsely realistic by forcing lots of awkward swearing, pointless disturbing images or other phony realism that many modern films put in. This is not an art film, it is an action film, and an excellent one. Don't know if there will actually be a sequel. It had an exciting ending and could have kept going. It certainly could have a good sequel. I expected a lot going in and it was great. There is also a fine supporting cast. It is worth seeing on a full screen. I am not going to give away any twists and turns for those who have not seen this excellent movie. Man, it was like being there.