By Fred Topel | Image property of DreamWorks Pictures
The International
The International is not the worst movie of the January/February season, but it may be the most boring. Whatever it gains by going the intellectual route is lost by how tedious the whole thing is.
Review: The International
The first scene that impressed me was a realistic vomit. It always bugs me when people throw up in movies and it's only a mouthful, because that's all they could hold before cameras rolled. Everyone knows real vomit projects from the depths of your bowels. They must have CGI'd this guy.
The sort of mundane perils of crossing a busy street are actually something new. Usually it's just weaving in and out to safety, but this is subtle and dangerous.
It's a lot of talking in offices about terms of banking deals though. At least they have the decency to show text messages without reading them aloud, but arms deal investments really aren't compelling. It's just the reason we're in this thriller, but they want to focus on the deals instead of the thrills.
The actors must love all this talking. It gives them a chance to use their instrument, but what's in it for us? Even chasing a car is slow and boring, which is probably realistic, but no thank you.
There are moments. The sniper CSI shows intriguing theory and investigation. Tailing a suspect strategically makes sense. It's also different, but not really good.
There is one kick ass gunfight. It's the best gunfight since Shoot 'Em Up with real stakes. You see exactly where they have to go and it's a real challenge to get there. But I'll never see it again because I won't even fast forward the rest of this movie to enjoy that brief thrill.
The International
Add to Heffee!
