A loud, manufactured train wreck of a movie. Both Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie can act – I know, I’ve seen it done. But neither bothers to here, instead pouting and looking pretty in a ridiculous and frankly boring story about married assassins who get hired to kill each other. If you’re thinking it sounds like Prizzi’s Honor, you’re right (I never saw Prizzi’s Honor, but I can say with confidence it must be the better movie). Director Doug Liman takes uncomfortably sadistic glee in demolishing the couple’s gorgeous house – and their gorgeous faces. He strives mightily for a breezy, Thin Man vibe in between the destruction, but labored breeziness doesn’t work.
As for the comic relief, Vince Vaughn also tries way too hard, ironic since his role is basically the same as most of his roles: the guy’s guy, the best friend who’s not quite the ladies’ man he fancies himself to be. In his few scenes, Adam Brody lends the movie the same spark of life as he lent Thank You for Smoking (with much the same character).
The ending sets up like a sort of homage to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – if it had been allowed to play out like Butch, it might have slightly redeemed itself, but of course such an ending would never be allowed, and instead there is more loud destruction, pretty people looking suitably murderous, and improbable victory.
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