"The International" is yet another example of the typical, all-nonsense action thrillers that seems to fill up our theaters these days. Although this one did not perform so well because of it being released during the dawn of the recession, it is very much like the others. It's well-made on a technical standpoint and its action sequences are utterly commendable and electrifying. However, the story is not. Nevertheless, this is one of the few brainless, no-logic thrillers of the 21st century that I have enjoyed mostly because of some terrific performances and some really stunning shootouts.
The plot is ridiculous, but suitable. Clive Owen plays quite well an Interpol agent who stumbles onto a trail leading to an international bank that is involved in the dealing of arms and explosives throughout the world and by himself tries to take the whole operation down, aided by a government official played by Naomi Watts. This is a harebrained and very problematic premise and the story does become a little jumbled and perhaps a bit confusing at times. This is not a picture where you can get up to get a snack, because you'll probably miss something. And you most certainly can't pick it up in the middle or you'll be lost.
Unfortunately, that's a fault. It's one of the reasons why "The International" is only good and not great like the Jason Bourne movies. The movie just keeps throwing one outlandish idea after another and not only does it become disorientating, but actually, toward the end, a little boring.
However, the film is saved by its performances and by its action sequences. Reportedly, the movie was due for an earlier release date, but was delayed so that more scenes could be filmed to transform it into more of an action movie and I am so thankful they did. Because the shootouts and chases are the best thing in the picture as the story and plot are harebrained and dull. So in the end, I am giving the movie a marginal recommendation. It is a decent enough spy-thriller, but not one I could watch every week.
The plot is ridiculous, but suitable. Clive Owen plays quite well an Interpol agent who stumbles onto a trail leading to an international bank that is involved in the dealing of arms and explosives throughout the world and by himself tries to take the whole operation down, aided by a government official played by Naomi Watts. This is a harebrained and very problematic premise and the story does become a little jumbled and perhaps a bit confusing at times. This is not a picture where you can get up to get a snack, because you'll probably miss something. And you most certainly can't pick it up in the middle or you'll be lost.
Unfortunately, that's a fault. It's one of the reasons why "The International" is only good and not great like the Jason Bourne movies. The movie just keeps throwing one outlandish idea after another and not only does it become disorientating, but actually, toward the end, a little boring.
However, the film is saved by its performances and by its action sequences. Reportedly, the movie was due for an earlier release date, but was delayed so that more scenes could be filmed to transform it into more of an action movie and I am so thankful they did. Because the shootouts and chases are the best thing in the picture as the story and plot are harebrained and dull. So in the end, I am giving the movie a marginal recommendation. It is a decent enough spy-thriller, but not one I could watch every week.