Susan Granger’s review of “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” (20th Century-Fox)
There’s no question that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt exude killer chemistry. So why is their new, lighthearted thriller weighed down with absurd action and overblown violence?The story begins with a bored suburban couple seeking marital counseling. Their problem? Communication. While they don’t exactly lie, they also don’t tell the truth, each keeping “little secrets.” She thinks he’s a construction engineer; he thinks she runs a high-tech temp agency. Actually, they’re both top assassins, working undercover for competing firms. And when they’re assigned to kill each other, their combat is the necessary spark that re-ignites their relationship.I guess I was expecting more of an updated “Thin Man”/Nick & Nora-type comedy with overtones of high-tech spy thriller. Instead, screenwriter Simon Kinberg (“XXX: State of the Union”) and director Doug Limon (“The Bourne Identity”) serve up a dollop of caustic, amusing banter – weakly reminiscent of “The War of the Roses,” “Prizzi’s Honor” and “True Lies” – that’s, literally, drowned by fiery explosions, shattering glass and crashing, ricocheting cars. It’s often difficult to decipher the dialogue through the pointless noise and body count. Despite the fast-pace, the 119-minute running time seems to drag on interminably – and inconclusively.As a leading man, Brad Pitt is great eye-candy but possesses little pizzazz. He’s blue-eyed bland. On the other hand, Angelina Jolie exudes a sleek, sexy charisma that’s irresistible. And Vince Vaughn is mildly amusing as Pitt’s cohort. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” is an exasperatingly senseless, silly 6, saved only by sensational Angelina Jolie. And I’m sure I could live, quite comfortably, for a year on the bullet budget!
