There seems to be a certain group of writers, directors and stars in the movie world who are attempting to maintain the intelligence and integrity on show in mainstream cinema. Steven Soderberg, Ridley Scott, The Cohn Brothers, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan, Leonardo DeCaprio. All are fighting against the studio rot of Bruckheimer and The Wayans Brothers.
You can add to that list director Tony Gilroy and stars Julia Roberts and Clive Owen.
After his critically acclaimed 'Michael Clayton', Gilroy is back with an old fashioned, classy sting movie...with a twist. It follows Owen and Roberts, both ex-intelligence agency insiders who have teamed up and gone corporate to rip off two waring business giants of the drug/personal hygene world.
Like Bryan Singer's Valkyrie, tension is bulit, not through gunfire and explosions, but by plot, character, editing and situations that could go very wrong ...and often do. Like that movie it's confidentely and stylishly shot with a crisp, modern look.
But it's the central relationship between Roberts and Owen that brings the movie to life. Their romance and working partnership is build entirely on mis-trust...allowing for some sparky and unpredictable banter. Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti shine as well as the company rivals determined to out do each other.
Great ending too, although when there are this mant twists and turn in a movie, you begin to expect the unexpected in the last 10 minutes.
So that's one on the score board for the Big Brains. For a measured responce, over to you Michael Bay...
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