Jason KingKnight and Day (8/10)
July 14th 2010 07:01
:
Mr Cruise is BACK!!!!!
Category: No Category
I saw this a film a few months ago at a media night out in the city with a great friend of mine Karin. When I first saw the trailer I thought B grade funny action with Cruise and Diaz - this could go either way.
And I have to say I absolutely loved it!
An action-comedy centered on a fugitive couple (Cruise and Diaz) on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one - even themselves - are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth vs. trust.
Mr Cruise is back in the scene ladies and gents - he gives an exceptional performance that only takes itself seriously when it is supposed to. The film is over the top ridiculous action with no believability what so ever - but this is the magic of the film. The actors and the crew know this and they don't for a second presume to show us anything less. Cruise's performance shows us glimpses of all his action roles but then we seem Tom basically parodying himself throughout the film by having so much fun. Him and Diaz are a perfect action/ comedy duo and I cannot believe we have not seen them work together before. They suit each other and I found neither of them was stronger or weaker than the other. I did find I got more laughs out of Diaz, she has the comic timing of a master and watching her drugged and speaking crap is hysterical. Plus, she still looks sensational in a bikini. But every time I hear Cruise say "if anyone tries to stop us I will kill myself and then her" I go into giggles - just love it.
Cruise dropped out of The Tourist to be in this film, a film now releasing next February and starring Johnny Depp. Cruise must have seen something fun and bankable in this film as it has been trying to get itself made for years. It has had so many re-writes it is preposterous and at one stage the film was going to star Eva Mendes and Chris Tucker - thank you Mr Cruise for saving us from that embarrassment. Adam Sandler and then Gerard Butler were also considered for this role before Tommy Boy signed on. Cruise was even going to be the lead in Salt, now starring Angelina Jolie but decided on Knight and Day instead due to Salt being too Mission Impossiblesque. Although this film is very spy, action and thriller it is also a comedy and that is its saving grace.
It also has some great supporting actors that aren't used very much but are very recognisable. Peter Sarsgaard, who has put on a few pounds, and Viola Davis make for good serious back up in the film but could have been used more.
It is a film you don't have to think very much in and something you will come out of with a big smile on your face. Karin and myself laughed through the whole thing. It is a film I thought most critics would loathe and I know a few Orble film writers will take to it with a machete but this is what film is all about for me - a fun time out where you can enjoy the film, your company and your supersized bucket of popcorn. Hell, I even got thumped with a $35- parking fee at the stupid parking station after the film for 2.5hrs parking and not even that put me off my enjoyment of the film. I then got to watch Karin spill her wine over herself and her expensive handbag and we both laughed at it
There was one thing that really annoyed me about the film. The cinematography is appalling, Nearly every single shot is tight. Every time someone speaks you can see the stupid cameraman wants to ram the bloody camera down everyone's throats. Do not sit near the front watching the film - you need to be as close to the back as possible to make up for nearly every single character shot being a near close up of a face. This surprised me as the film is shot by Phedon Papamichael who has worked with Mangold (director) before on 3:10 to Yuma and has a cinematographers resume to drool over. He started with Nowhere to Run in 1989 and has shot films like Patch Adams, Cool Runnings, Sideways and Walk the Line.
James Mangold, the director, has a very impressive list of credits to himself with nearly no failures. He has directed things like Girl, Interrupted, Walk the Line and Copland - all awesome films. I think he has hit the jackpot with this one and has succeeded in making something positive for Tom Cruise that will push him back into the spotlight and remove his tarnished couch jumping antics from people's minds.
I am actually going to see this film again on the big screen. It is just heaps of fun, with lots of laughter and non stop action and two very likeable actors and characters. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride from this Thursday 15th July.
And I have to say I absolutely loved it!
An action-comedy centered on a fugitive couple (Cruise and Diaz) on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one - even themselves - are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth vs. trust.
Mr Cruise is back in the scene ladies and gents - he gives an exceptional performance that only takes itself seriously when it is supposed to. The film is over the top ridiculous action with no believability what so ever - but this is the magic of the film. The actors and the crew know this and they don't for a second presume to show us anything less. Cruise's performance shows us glimpses of all his action roles but then we seem Tom basically parodying himself throughout the film by having so much fun. Him and Diaz are a perfect action/ comedy duo and I cannot believe we have not seen them work together before. They suit each other and I found neither of them was stronger or weaker than the other. I did find I got more laughs out of Diaz, she has the comic timing of a master and watching her drugged and speaking crap is hysterical. Plus, she still looks sensational in a bikini. But every time I hear Cruise say "if anyone tries to stop us I will kill myself and then her" I go into giggles - just love it.
Cruise dropped out of The Tourist to be in this film, a film now releasing next February and starring Johnny Depp. Cruise must have seen something fun and bankable in this film as it has been trying to get itself made for years. It has had so many re-writes it is preposterous and at one stage the film was going to star Eva Mendes and Chris Tucker - thank you Mr Cruise for saving us from that embarrassment. Adam Sandler and then Gerard Butler were also considered for this role before Tommy Boy signed on. Cruise was even going to be the lead in Salt, now starring Angelina Jolie but decided on Knight and Day instead due to Salt being too Mission Impossiblesque. Although this film is very spy, action and thriller it is also a comedy and that is its saving grace.
It also has some great supporting actors that aren't used very much but are very recognisable. Peter Sarsgaard, who has put on a few pounds, and Viola Davis make for good serious back up in the film but could have been used more.
It is a film you don't have to think very much in and something you will come out of with a big smile on your face. Karin and myself laughed through the whole thing. It is a film I thought most critics would loathe and I know a few Orble film writers will take to it with a machete but this is what film is all about for me - a fun time out where you can enjoy the film, your company and your supersized bucket of popcorn. Hell, I even got thumped with a $35- parking fee at the stupid parking station after the film for 2.5hrs parking and not even that put me off my enjoyment of the film. I then got to watch Karin spill her wine over herself and her expensive handbag and we both laughed at it
There was one thing that really annoyed me about the film. The cinematography is appalling, Nearly every single shot is tight. Every time someone speaks you can see the stupid cameraman wants to ram the bloody camera down everyone's throats. Do not sit near the front watching the film - you need to be as close to the back as possible to make up for nearly every single character shot being a near close up of a face. This surprised me as the film is shot by Phedon Papamichael who has worked with Mangold (director) before on 3:10 to Yuma and has a cinematographers resume to drool over. He started with Nowhere to Run in 1989 and has shot films like Patch Adams, Cool Runnings, Sideways and Walk the Line.
James Mangold, the director, has a very impressive list of credits to himself with nearly no failures. He has directed things like Girl, Interrupted, Walk the Line and Copland - all awesome films. I think he has hit the jackpot with this one and has succeeded in making something positive for Tom Cruise that will push him back into the spotlight and remove his tarnished couch jumping antics from people's minds.
That's really them!
I am actually going to see this film again on the big screen. It is just heaps of fun, with lots of laughter and non stop action and two very likeable actors and characters. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride from this Thursday 15th July.
| 134 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
subscribe to this blog
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Say Jason, what are your favourite Cruise perfomances?
I'd have to say Magnolia, Risky Business, Tropic Thunder, and Taps. Though not necessarily in that order.
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
There were some funny moments. I think for myself it was the low on plot.
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness