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Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie
Director: Doug Liman
Genre: Action
Year: 2005
Rating: 4 / 5

Director Doug Liman does not have many films to his credit during his ten years in Hollywood, but all of his major releases have fared rather well, be it critically or commercially. 1996’s Swingers has such societal impact – at least for men in their twenties – that it is still spoken of reverentially to this day. Go is lauded for its creative storytelling, as disparate tales gradually tie themselves together as the film winds down. The Bourne Identity is generally considered to be the film that made Matt Damon a bankable action star, spawning two sequels in its own right. Following that 2002 effort, Liman found himself bumped up to the big time. He was tabbed to direct two A-list stars in one of the summer’s big tent pole movies, and expectations were incredibly high. It is quite likely that you have heard of the two stars of Mr. & Mrs. Smith – Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

What you just read may have been one of the few reviews of this film that did not immediately delve into the off-camera antics of the two principal stars. Very few people seem to be concerned with the quality of the film, unless it somehow offers more insight into the nature of the two stars’ relationship. As such, let us simply dispense with the formalities and put this issue to rest before moving on to the rest of the film. Do the stars really have sizzling on-screen chemistry? “Sizzling” is a strong word, but the chemistry is certainly there. While watching the film, does your mind occasionally wonder about their rumored coupling? Certainly, but this is only natural given all of the media hype surrounding them. Does this get in the way of enjoying the movie? Not in the least, and, in the end, this may be the most important development of all.

John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie) live the most boring suburban married life one could ever imagine two attractive people living. They are both successful individuals with booming careers and little time for life at home. Their interactions are reduced to simple pleasantries and innocuous comments about cooking. It is amazing to realize, then, that these two met under such exciting circumstances, thrust into each other’s arms while trying to evade the police. Times changes, and five (or six) years have caused the Smiths to drift apart. Of course, it does not help that the Smiths are keeping secrets from each other. In fact, both are assassins, practically the best in the business at what they do. When their jobs eventually pit them against each other, the truth comes out, and a whole new class of “martial difficulties” is unveiled.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith features the sort of rapid-fire action and witty one-liners that often make for successful summer entertainment. Throw in two easy-on-the-eyes stars and you have yourself a smashing success. Mr. & Mrs. Smith works on so many levels, but its humor is the most pleasant surprise. The film deftly contrasts the couple’s mundane day-to-day lives with the excitement evident in the work they do. Only when they learn the secrets that they each have kept hidden for so long do the two assassins begin to finally have fun with each other. The movie’s two stars seem quite comfortable with their roles, as does Vince Vaughn as Pitt’s trusty sidekick. If you find yourself looking for something to add a little spice into your life, Mr. & Mrs. Smith serves up just the right marriage of action and comedy for you and your special someone.

Cast:

Certification: Rated PG-13 for language.
Running Time: 120 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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