Synthesis Weekly Reviews: The International

The International
Columbia
DVD – Rated R

Despite the fact that Hollywood is obsessed (or, it could be us) with corporate conspiracy/crooked government/international spy chase/murder cover-up movies, Tom Tykwer’s The International is a pretty legit film. Clive Owen does an adequate job of carrying the movie as agent Louis Salinger—the man trying to crack a multi-nation illegal weapons ring. At his side, of course, is the lovely Eleanor Whitman, a Manhattan Assistant DA, played by Naomi Watts (wouldn’t it be great if a film actually used average looking people?). But the action is good, the acting has some integrity and Tykwer has a very sharp eye for a slick looking film. This is a perfect renter.
Dustin Bennett

Tags: acting, adequate job, chase murder, clive owen, corporate conspiracy, eleanor, government international, Hollywood, illegal weapons, integrity, international spy, legit, Manhattan, naomi watts, renter, salinger, spy chase, tom tykwer, whitman