CInema Review (From Penarth Times)

CInema Review

Spy Game (15) ***

DIRECTOR Tony Scott has enjoyed a massive success in his career with films like Top Gun and Crimson Tide, but hasn't directed since 1998's Enemy of the State. While brother Ridley picks up the Oscars, Tony likes to make more basic action thrillers.

In his latest, Spy Game, Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) is an agent for the US Government who is arrested in China for trying to free a woman from prison.

The government has just 48 hours to strike a deal to save him, and it's up to a CIA executive and long-time friend of Bishop's to try and help free him. Tony Scott has a unique visual style - a cross between Michael Bay and John Woo at times. It's this that makes the film look cool and stylish, but the narrative is less inspired.

The film switches from past to present all the time, and would probably have worked better if it was just a basic 'beginning, middle and end' film. But for what the film is, it's not half bad. Robert Redford in the lead role does well, but more scenes of Brad Pitt delivering a fine performance would have been welcome.

It's good to see all members of the cast doing their best for once and Pitt goes through about 12 different haircuts.

Ultimately though, the film offers nothing new and the style is too much like Enemy of the State. The music, filters and production design are virtually the same and Scott should have tried something different.

The film is dragged out too much and the fast editing doesn't help with the flowing of the narrative, but some great action sequences and brilliant acting help turn Spy Game into a decent if not memorable picture.