Salt

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: July 23, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: CIA agent Evelyn Salt is accused of being a Russian spy involved in an assassination plot.

Review: Just as Russian expert Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) and her boss Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber) head home for the day, they're called back to interrogate Russian ex-pat Vassily Orlov (Daniel Olbrychski) who claims to have information about a plot to start a war between America and the world. As Salt interviews Orlov, he tells her a story about Russian children who are trained for the ultimate act of terrorism. These children were inserted into American society many years ago and await activation. One of those children was named Evelyn Salt. After this revelation, Salt must prove her innocence and allegiance to America. Despite a few plot holes and a plot that was predictable, this was an enjoyable action-packed thriller that I think many people will like. Jolie is in top physical form and doing a lot of activity - from hand-to-hand combat to riding atop moving vehicles. Despite being out of the game since 2008's Wanted, she's still got her girl power on. One thing I liked about this character is that she didn't use her sex appeal (by way of revealing or skin-tight clothes) to get the job done. She just kicked ass on her own. I found Schreiber to be just as creepy as always. For some reason, he just gives off that vibe to me. Even though I realize this is an action movie and erratic camera movement creates a sense of urgency, I found some of the shots distracting. It's hard to see the true beauty of some fights because the camera is shaking so much and so tight on the subjects. I long for the day when directors reintroduce the wide angle action sequences. C'mon directors! Take a page out of John Woo's action book. Also in this film is Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Watch It: For the wide array of action sequences that go nonstop.

Skip It: If you're susceptible to motion sickness.

2012

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: November 13, 2009

DVD Release Date: March 2, 2010

Plot 411: The end of the world has come. Run for your lives!

Review: This film was pretty similar to all the other end-of-the-world/apocalypse/disaster movies that came before it. Most audiences who enjoyed those will also like this one. The idea of actually enjoying a disaster flick is pretty twisted when you really think about it, but that's for some other blog. In this one, we talk about movies so I'd say the CGI both made and broke this film. With such a gigantic scope as the of the world, audiences are already prepared for a whole lot of CGI. This component is probably the most significant aspect of the film, even beyond the actors, which included the likes of John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet (whose face is quite odd looking in this movie), Danny Glover (Mr. President), Thandie Newton (cute as ever), Oliver Platt and Woody Harrelson (playing a nutjob . . . surprise, surprise). The massive earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and complete destruction of society as we know it was definitely a huge undertaking for all those animators. It really is amazing to see little people dangling off of freeways and toppling buildings, chunks of earth and lava hurtle toward you and famous landmarks crumble to the ground. However, despite all their efforts, the quality of the CGI is still not advanced enough to render a good image. It's completely obvious that these events were created on a screen. There's absolutely no doubt that they didn't use practical effects. The fact that we can tell is the disappointment. As for the plot, refer back to the 411.

Watch It: On a large screen with surround sound if at all possible to get the full effect.

Skip It: Because if you've seen one of these types of movies, you've seen 'em all.