Taking Lives

So, I went to the movies today to see the new Angelina Jolie vehicle 'Taking Lives'. I admit that I probably would not have gone to see this movie, especially on opening day, if not for my significant other having something of an obsession about Angelina Jolie. Because of that, I have to see a lot of Angelina Jolie movies.

Usually, they aren't nearly as good as 'Taking Lives', but that's not saying a whole lot. It doesn't take much to be a lot better than 'Original Sin' or 'Beyond Borders' or 'Tomb Raider'.

I enjoyed 'Taking Lives', but it was somewhat like watching a movie that was written in the wake of Se7en to capitalize on the success of that movie. It has a similar feel, though much less gritty and real. The Hollywood version of something that was decidedly un-Hollywood. If that makes any sense at all.

The cast for 'Taking Lives' was full of high-quality actors, most of whom I normally like. Besides Jolie, there was Ethan Hawke, Kiefer Sutherland (who was somewhat wasted in a small part), Gena Rowlands and some French people (Tchéky Karyo, Olivier Martinez, Jean-Hugues Anglade) pretending to be French Canadian since the story takes place in Montreal (and was actually shot in Montreal).

The French guys seemed a little too subdued early in the flick. Until Jolie gets there, they came across as a bit lifeless. I have to assume this was a style choice since I know at least Karyo and Martinez can be more expressive actors).

The problem with this flick and with so many others these days is that since every thriller seems to have a twist at the end, you end up spending a lot of time trying to figure out the twist. The guy they think is the bad guy early on is always a red herring. Sometimes, movies get a little too tricky in trying to come up with a surprising twist. 'Taking Lives' doesn't fall into this trap, though if you're expecting a twist, it's very possible you'll end up disappointed in the resolution of that portion of the plot.

And honestly, that resolution comes a little too early in the movie. Personally, I thought this flick had one too many endings. I'd have ended it when this resolution plays out. I didn't like the ending they ended up with.

Stop the movie a few scenes sooner, and I'd like the movie a lot better.

As it is, this is probably a rental at best. There's nothing that particularly sticks with you. It's well directed and looks very good. The Phillip Glass score is probably the best part of the movie. It was in focus, which is always a plus. As is common in Angelina Jolie movies, she disrobes at one point, so if that's your sort of thing, this movie is not without that part.

It just didn't have anything uncommon. Nothing that made it stand out. The performances were all more than adequate, but there was nothing great. It's a movie we've all seen before, even if we've never seen this particular movie. I liked it, but if I had never seen it, my life would be no worse off.

I will personally be looking out for D.J. Caruso, the director of this film. I'd like to see what he could do with a more challenging script.

 

I mentioned it. Angelina appears topless in the movie.