Review of The Double (2011) by Maksim B — 20 Mar 2012

The Double is a relatively engaging and gripping spy thriller which despite its plot holes, unrealistic background story an unconvincing performances is still capable of entertaining the audience. It has its positives and moments of excellence, but overall it does not succeed to become a memorable spy thriller that would compel you to watch it over and over again.

The story is set in present days but with focus on the old American-Soviet tensions and spy-games from the Cold War. What starts as an intriguing premise turns in the second half in a difficult to follow and quite incoherent plot. What is built up throughout the first sixty minutes is totally wasted in the final third of the movie. The anti-climax is illogical and there are no clues leading to it.

In addition to this mediocrity, the performances of the cast do not do much to bring Micheal Brandt's movie to another, better, level. Richard Gere is relatively solid (together with Martin Sheen), though a bit detached and melancholic. His performance is still quite convincing in comparison to the pale performance of Topher Grace. The latter could be compared to everything but not to a young FBI agent with great analytical skills, and then when the biggest twist in the movie happens his character is absolutely unprepared for this.

The Double could have been at least a decent movie if it had managed to keep its story more coherent and its twists more logical. It is a movie which you would easily forget, but still you could give a try if you are up for mediocre tv-quality spy thriller - it would entertain you to a certain level.