SALT (2010)

The Score: 8 out of 10

Salt is a compelling action film crossed with a well-rounded thriller. The film has strong characters, interesting plot developments, compelling action sequences, and is always entertaining. And considering the recent discovery of Russian sleeper agents still operating in the United States, Salt is an eerily relevant film for our day. Fans of J.J. Abrams's ALIAS (2001-06) TV series should find Salt particularly appealing, since both shows share a lot in common in both tone and story.

Who is Salt?

The film was originally written by Kurt Wimmer for Tom Cruise, but he passed because it resembled too closely his Mission Impossible franchise. But after watching the film, it is difficult to imagine anyone other than Angelina Jolie playing the part. Angelina Jolie is one of the most versatile actresses of the generation, able to play women characters who are as diverse and interesting as any you can find in modern film.

Tom Cruise Does Not Look this Good Blonde

For anyone doubting Angelina Jolie's acting abilities, look no further than Clint Eastwood's underrated Changeling (2008). If you do not appreciate her after Changeling, then nothing could convince you. But Jolie does impressive work in Salt, too. She is beautiful and inexplicably engaging on screen. If you were to take all of Jennifer Garner's work from all five seasons of ALIAS (2001-06) and condense it into a single feature film, then you will understand how daunting a task Jolie had when she accepted the role of Evelyn Salt.

Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor in Solid Supporting Performances

As good as Angelina Jolie is in the film, you cannot ignore the roles played by her supporting cast. Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiojor both added new dimensions to what could have easily turned into two-dimnensional characters as Salt's fellow CIA Agents. This supporting cast contributes to a sense of gravity the story requires to remain grounded amid the actions sequences and twists and turns of the plot. In most action films, the plot and character development feel incidental, but Salt remains impressively coherent in spite of its fast pace.

Salt's Boss and Friend at the CIA

Salt is not a perfect film. Like any action movie, it occasionally crosses lines of everyday believability. Evelyn Salt is too invicible in scenarios where she should have been hurt badly, but this is a common complaint to all action films in general. Since revealing any of the plot would jeopardize the enjoyment of watching the film for the first time, we will end this review early with the trailer of the film. This trailer accurately represents the tone of the film, so if you enjoy it then you will enjoy the film.

Salt (2010) Trailer

Salt was an intense adrenaline rush to help compensate for what had been an otherwise dreary Summer at the box office. And now that it is released on Blu-Ray, it still performs an equally good task of providing some good old fashioned action movie entertainment when you are in the mood for it.

Angelina Jolie Interview

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