MR. & MRS. SMITH
**** out of *****

Genres
Action
Comedy
Romance

2005
Directed by
Doug Liman
Written by
Simon Kinberg
Cast
Brad Pitt .... John Smith
Angelina Jolie .... Jane Smith
Vince Vaughn .... Eddie
Adam Brody .... Benjamin Danz
Kerry Washington .... Jasmine
Keith David .... Father
Chris Weitz .... Martin Coleman
Rachael Huntley .... Suzy Coleman
Michelle Monaghan .... Gwen

House fires are rarely this sexy.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith almost never happened. The film took 5 years to get off the ground, numerous writers were brought in for many rewrites of the script (over 50 different versions of the script had been written), several members of the cast dropped in and out of the production and even director Doug Liman originally said 'no' to doing this film. Eventually after 5 years of trying the pieces began to fit for the producers and the screenwriter. Liman came on board just as Brad Pitt did and eventually a leading lady was found when Nicole Kidman, who was originally cast, left the project to pursue another role and was replaced by every boy's wet-dream, Angelina Jolie. "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was finally on track and ready to go in front of cameras.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith tells the story of John and Jane Smith played by Pitt and Jolie. The Smiths are a couple whose marriage has seen better days; now their days consists of suburban mundanity and a lackluster sex life. The only thing keeping these two going are their lives outside of their marriage; you see the Smiths are assassins that work for competing agencies. When one day both of them discover each others secret a war between husband and wife ensues, as they are ordered to take each other out. But that is easier said than done, when their feelings for each other are re-ignited amidst their attempts to knock the other off.

This is not a scene from the Aniston  break  up.

This film works on many levels, the fist of which is its script. For a popcorn action film the script demonstrates some intelligent writing that doesn't for one moment pander to the audience or take them for granted, as some action films seem to. This film also has characters that many people can relate to, especially since they both have flaws demostrated by their struggling relationship. It's these character moments they share at home and in therapy that makes them seem real and add a three-dimensional quality. The filmmakers allowed time for us to get to know them and enter their world and as a result let the action develop naturally as the film progresses. Most action films would start the film with a big set piece rather than a therapy session with husband and wife. It's certainly unconventional but it works and sets up the film in an awkwardly entertaining way.

Another key to this film's success are the two mega-star leads, Pitt and Jolie's chemistry jumps off the screen. It's no surprise that these two eventually fell for one another, but that's a story for all the tabloids and not here. On the page these characters aren't really special by any great means, but these two light up the screen with energy that breathes life into them and, more importantly, is exciting and entertaining to watch. The support cast is equally impressive, Vince Vaughn especially, bringing his dry motor-mouth wit to this film. He creates a memorable character that steals scenes and has some of the funniest lines in the film.

In movie land you're having dinner  with her. In the real world you'd be  dining with your mother who's there  in the background.

The action, however is the cherry on the cake. Liman has learned a lot from doing The Bourne Identity (2002). In just a few short years this independent filmmaker responsible for Swingers (1996) and Go (1999) (a film that's been referred to as 'the teen Pulp Fiction') has graduated to big budget action directing and has filled the screen with exciting, visually interesting and over the top sequences that manages to maintain a level of humour which reminds the audience not to take things so seriously. While there was a couple of instances that made me say 'yeah right', such as the zip-wire escape at Jane's HQ and some parts of the final shootout, for the most part it was fun to watch and once you check your brain at the door you'll have an even better time.

The film may be a bunch of Hollywood mumbo-jumbo, let's face it there's nothing particularly amazing about the plot, but bottom line is that this film has a pulse. You'll be entertained and it'll put a smile on your face. If a film can do that then it's worth seeing in my book.

Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here.

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