Review: SALT

Before I get into this review, I thought it'd be interesting to note that Angelina Jolie wasn't the first choice to star in Salt.  Tom Cruise was originally lined up, but decided against it, feeling it was too similar to his Mission Impossible franchise.  Instead he went off to make comedy action film Knight & Day, leaving Jolie to break some heads in this dark action thriller.

Let's face it, there aren't many female actors that can carry off a full blown action role. Fortunately, Angellina Jolie is one of those rare talents who can be both feminine and sexy as well as tough and violent.  Tomb Raider, Mr & Mrs Smith and Wanted are all examples of her proving how good she can be in action films. Salt has a different feel to these movies however, with a more serious tone, it's been described by some critics as 'Bourne with boobs'.  However don't let that mislead you, as I can't remember seeing any gratuitous cleavage shots...sadly!  In fact, throughout practically the whole movie Jolie is kept looking remarkably unsexy (part of that gritty reality thing I think), although I kinda liked her whole Russian hat and coat look during one scene!

Evelyn Salt (Jolie) is a highly respected agent for the CIA who is accused of being a Russian spy. Fearing for the life of her husband and believing she's been set-up, she goes on the run to try and clear her name.  So far, so standard plot thriller, but this is by no means a standard film. 

The opening's a bit slow as it attempts to build some back story about Jolie's character, however it never really goes into enough detail. They want us to care about her, but she just comes across as cold, meaning that when she's on the run, you find it difficult to empathise with her.  They try and remind you about her loving side with a series of flashbacks, but they become intrusive at times and again slow down the pace of the film.  It wasn't until one particular moment (I won't ruin it for you) that you then start siding with Salt and you begin to enjoy her 'woman scourned' payback.  Also, Jolie is clearing wearing a wig throughout this film and it did become a bit distracting.  It's a random point I know, but when you watch the film you'll see what I mean.  I was waiting for it to fly off during some of the action scenes.

It's easy to understand why some people have compared this to the Bourne movies, with the dark tone and shaky camera work, but to be honest, it doesn't quite reach those heights.  Those films always felt real, with the fight scenes being scrappy and dis-organised and the action sequences visceral and tough. If Jason Bourne jumped from a bridge onto a boat, he'd injure his leg, he wasn't some sort of indestructible super hero.  This added an extra dimension to the films and allowed you to buy into the story they were telling.  Salt on the other hand had moments were Jolie's character performed stunts that would have easily crippled Jason Bourne, yet she walked away unscathered.  This raised a few giggles of disbelief from the audience and reminded you that this is just another Hollywood action flick.  

These are only minor failings however, as the film succeeds on many other levels, stopping it from becoming just another run-of-the-mill action thriller. The acting is on point with Jolie being well supported by the always reliable Liev Schreiber (Ted Winter) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Peabody) and it's solidly directed by Phillip Noyce (Patriot Games, Clear & Present Danger).  His skill in shooting the incredible action sequences makes the film really stand out. One scene inparticular, which sees a frightening calm Salt go on a revengeful killing spree, put a big smile on my face.  There are also plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the end.

When the head of Sony Pictures joked that Angelina could be a future Bond girl, Jolie replied that she just wanted to be Bond. In Salt, that's pretty much what's happened and judging by the box office figures in the US, this could become an all new blockbuster franchise.

Salt is a really good movie, just not a great one.  If you're looking for a decent action flick to keep you entertained on a night out at the cinema, then this should be top of your list, especially if you found The A Team a bit too cheesy. 

Michael's Movie Mark     7/10