Movie Review: "From Paris With Love"

   Every time I start to write a movie review, I rant about how much I like to watch movies...and this review will not start off any differently. I love watching movies, I really do...and sometimes I come across a movie that hasn’t grabbed my interest from watching the previews...but surprises the heck out of me when I’m watching it. This review is about one such movie.

The Cast: 

John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak.

   There is never any doubt about who carries this movie. If you are a fan of Travolta, then you will be a fan of this movie and his personal flavor that only he can deliver to the role of fast driving, one-lining, quick thinking, body count racking, kick-ass secret agent. Meyers does a decent job of not completely making you lose interest and plays well off Travolta as the low-level spy wannabe that’s being drawn by the nose with the rest of us through the trail of excitement and humor Travolta whips up. Smutniak delivers as Meyers’ fiance and gives us as much as possible with the limited material presented.

The Plot: 

   Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays James Reece, a mid-level embassy employee that acts part time as a low-level spy. Tasked with mundane assignments, he tries to advance himself without revealing to his fiancee Caroline,( Kasia Smutniak ), the exact details of what he really does. Unbeknownst to him, she also has secret and is much more than he ever suspected. When things start to heat up, the top American operative is called in to take over and Reece finally gets the big break he’s been looking for...but this too, is much more than he ever suspected.

   Enter Charlie Wax (John Travolta ), the best operative America has that kicks ass, doesn’t take names...and doesn’t take prisoners. More than just a pure killing machine, Wax is out to uncover and stop a sinister terrorist plot that revolves around none other than James Reece himself. What ensues is a thrill ride of explosions, misdirection, blazing bullets, martial arts, and truly fun over-the-top Travolta that requires no heavy thinking on the part of the audience...just a willingness to relax and have a great time.

   

The Verdict: 

   This movie is a sleeper agent in disguise. Little did I realize from the trailers that it would be as much fun as it was to watch. If you’re looking for deep meaning and an Oscar performance, keep looking. If you’re looking to have fun one Friday or Saturday night in front of a flat screen with surround sound and popcorn...then buckle up and enjoy the ride. The movie doesn’t take itself too seriously and neither should you.

   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again...I’m an action junkie and love a good laugh mixed in with explosions, car chases, and a hail of bullets. I’m also an intellectual and enjoy having my mind stimulated. With that said, one of the best parts of renting this movie is the dvd extras, particularly “Secrets of Spy Craft: Inside the International Spy Museum” and “Spies, Spooks and Special Ops: Life Under Cover” wherein real life retired operatives are interviewed and reveal some very interesting information about the world that we all live in...and some incredible information about a world that most of us only get a glimpse of through movies such as this.

   This movie was certainly my cup of tea and I was very surprised by this flavorful blend from Paris...earning three cinnamon sticks, out of five, in my cup.


















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