Two very beautiful actors. One very beautiful city. Several very funny lines. Uh… I think that’s it? “The Tourist” is very shallow as an espionage drama. However, I can’t argue with the fact that it was entertaining. By entertaining, I mean I pretty much just marveled at how beautiful Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, and Venice, Italy are.
“The Tourist” is about an American tourist, Frank (Johnny Depp), who crosses paths with a mysterious woman (Angelina Jolie). Instantly intrigued by her, he gets caught up in the dangers of her world. Honestly, I don’t know how much more I can add to this summary without making the movie boring, if you decide to see it.
Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck directs the movie without flourish; he lets the location and actors do that themselves. The script isn’t clever or original when it comes to the plot. The end was slightly confusing. The plot twist was surprising, and not in a good way. The story really could’ve done without it. One of the saving graces of the movie is the dialogue. It’s witty, and Johnny Depp delivers those lines with charm. Angelina Jolie plays her character with style and elegance. In fact, the acting was another save for the film.
I wouldn’t call “The Tourist” mindless, maybe just lazy. You have two talented actors as stars, and you couldn’t have found a writer to strengthen the plot? It’s no surprise that so many actors and directors signed and then dropped this movie. And it’s sad because there are so many unknown, yet talented, scriptwriters out there who could’ve made this movie brilliant.
Should you see “The Tourist”? If you love Jolie, Depp, or Italy, yes. I love all three and enjoyed the movie. If you’re expecting more than beautiful people and places, then just wait to add it to your Netflix queue.
“The Tourist” is now playing in theaters.
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