Review of Duplicity (2009) by Jeff B — 15 Aug 2010
Probably in an effort to target a wider market, "Duplicity" aims to be two films in one - a RomCom and a double-cross, triple-cross spy film (between two corporations rather than two countries or -isms). It doesn't especially excel at either.
Which is why it went from theatrical-release to DVD-release in barely five months.
Julia Roberts' age is showing quite badly here, making it difficult for the viewer to engage her as dreamy love interest. Roberts would be smart to face facts and start snagging more age-appropriate roles. Plus, as shot, there's simply no on-screen spark/chemistry transmitted to the viewer.
On the spycraft side, the plotline's not nearly as tight as it should be. How DOES Owen manage to keep his copy of the formula and take it to Zurich? Why DID they take the risk/trouble to send the formula by copy machine, when Roberts has already snapped it with her Blackberry and could send that? And WHY did Owen/Roberts need to ensure being overheard previously knowing and hating each other?
The core plot IS fairly sound and twisty enough - if the viewer is willing to swallow the pretext that companies such as P&G and Unilever have armies of in-house CIA alumni with high-tech gadgetry constantly trying to sniff out and mole into each other's strategy and product R&D.
But when it comes to the nitty-gritty details, there's far too much in the way of jagged edges, leaving the viewer with the impression it was all just thrown together way too quickly.
RECOMMENDATION: Not a bad or totally unentertaining film by any means, but not entirely undeserving of the critics' pans either.
This review of Duplicity (2009) was written by Jeff B on 15 Aug 2010.
Duplicity has generally received mixed reviews.
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