"SALT" Review

"SALT" is one of those rare action movies that has non-stop hard-hitting action for ninety minutes straight and is all done with a brain. It was originally written for a male lead star, which Tom Cruise was the primary candidate for, but after he turned it down because it was too similar to his role in Mission: Impossible, the makers changed the script and Angelina Jolie played the same role reworked for a female main lead. Jolie plays the role of Evelyn Salt, who is a C.I.A. officer amazing at her job. She has done everything to protect the United States. One day, as she is leaving work to go home to her husband for their anniversary, a strange man walks into the C.I.A. offices with an odd accusation about Salt( We later find out who this man really is). As she and her partner, Ted Winter (Schreiber), listen to hear him talk, things start to get a little crazy. This man (who is considered a defector), claims that Evelyn is actually a Russian spy who has been planted in the United States to kill the President. Salt freaks out, thinking that this can’t be true, and makes a run for it. Ted is on her side at first, but as the counter-intelligence officer Peabody (Ejiofor) steps in, he starts to realize that Evelyn could actually be a Russian spy. Her actions of running away are not helping her but she wants to make sure that her husband is safe, even if that means risking her life. As the movie goes on, we learn more and more about who Salt really is. The question is whether or not she can prove her innocence before being captured. The action is absolutely non-stop but the best part about it is that it’s believable. Director Philip Noyce (Clear and Present Danger) does not go over-the-top to the point where the action seemed unreal. This movie is about 90 percent action and there is great story-telling occurring as well. The twists and turns in the plot are very surprising and shocking and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Throughout the entire film, you will be wondering who Salt really is. As the story gets deeper you start to become attached to the character but the best part is that you don’t really ever know her true intentions. Jolie has finally bridged that gap where one is able to look at her character as an action star, rather than a female or male. Every performance in the film is strong from Jolie to the amazingly talented actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Liev Schrieber. The film is short (100 minutes running time), fun and you get to see Angelina Jolie kicking butt and looking hot. It is best watched on a big screen. Director: Philip Noyce Cast: Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Daniel Olbrychski Rating: 4* out of 5