Salt, Phillip Noyce’s recent film, is a thoroughly average concoction. It’s also a very lucky film.  As many of you know, there have been talks of Russian spies entering America. That this is part of a true American fear (we Americans are such pus*ies!) makes Salt have some resonance. If the American people didn’t feel that a Russian takeover is coming soon (and the rational ones have no fears of such), Salt would come across as a lot more far-fetched then it is.

Salt is an entertaining tale of espionage but is so thoroughly average it’s grating.  Salt is an entertaining by the numbers popcorn flick.  It’s well directed, fast moving, builds up tension and is well acted. In terms of craftsmanship, the films only drawback is its musical score which is used throughout the entire movie. The music never shuts up and that there are no scenes without a musical score is a real weakness of the film. Music is like salt (the analogy is intentional); it’s supposed to add flavor to what’s on the plate, not replace it. Music should bring out more tension, not be the tension itself. Salt’s overuse of music is a big flaw of the film, especially where craftsmanship is concerned.

Salt is an entertaining movie about Russian spies and about Eve Salt (Angelina Jolie), an American agent who may or may not really be a covert Russian agent. This ambiguity leads to most of the suspense of the film. Salt doesn’t really have much of a plot. Most of the movie is spent on people running around and people chasing after them (mainly Salt).

Angelina Jolie does a good job as the charismatic and reserved Agent Evelyn Salt. The greatly underrated and underused Live Schreiber does an excellent job as Ted Winter, who works with Evelyn Salt. Live Schreiber does an excellent job making his character interesting and adding layers of ambiguity so the audience isn’t really sure of the type of person Ted Winter is.

Salt is fast moving and an agreeable enough time passer. It’s mainstream popcorn fluff well crafted. Salt is fun while you watch it, but by the time you leave the theater the movie evaporates from your mind. What Salt lacks in originality it makes up in adrenaline and high-octane excitement.

I do wish the film had a little more substance to it as well as having a storyline that ends. The ending of Salt is made to leave room for a sequel which is very annoying. Why can’t a film be self-contained anymore? I know movies are made to make money, but why does Hollywood feel the need to franchise every movie they think will be a hit?!

Salt isn’t a rarity among films and at ticket prices being what they are I wouldn’t suggest rushing to the theater to see Salt since they are many movies of similar ilk that can be found on DVD. But when Salt makes its way to DVD, it’s an agreeable enough time-passer to watch; it’s just doesn’t have enough of a salty kick to be worth checking out now.

No related posts.