Super-Spy Genre Reborn

Rating: 9/10 (17 September 2013)

Like it or not this is the reinvention of the Super Spy Movie. It came before the new James Bond Series and probably had more than a passing influence. This is not Great Art or even great Movie making. It is, however, that thing that is the minimum of expectations in the most Popular of Popular Culture, Entertaining and rewarding.
Amnesia in the Hero is always an interesting ploy as We discover along with the Character new and Cool things. Super Soldier (Spy) is another Fictional Stalwart that just always seems to work despite the whiskers and the been there done that Factor.
So we have a High-Budget, Slick, Actioner with some modern sensibilities (read frantic editing and shaky Camera) and an affable young Movie Star brought out to kick start a New Wave of Popcorn purchases and Home Theatre inclusions. If the Movie has a weakness it is the off again on again Female side-kick that becomes a bit irritating fluctuating from strong willed helper to befuddled, reluctant participant. This all seems tacky and tacked-on for obvious reasons.
The newest thing here is perhaps the most intriguing. That being the NSA surveillance and CIA goose-stepping that is very disturbing. With the technology at hand to invade Privacy with a keystroke, it should leave Viewers just a bit queasy. Even more so Today than in 2002. In this regard the Movie was more than a little prophetic.