Review of The International (2009) by Jeffl — 16 Aug 2009

God forbid we enjoy a movie for its story anymore. That's what the majority of opinions out there are hinting at. We care for violence and explosion and techno-babble and special effects galore. Can't forget the obligatory sex scene too! So many reviews discredit this movie's true worth.

Yes, the shootout at the Guggenheim was awesome, but to say that this scene alone would be worth the price of admission? Ugh. The plot was masterful, in my opinion. It really is a thinking-individual's thriller because you have to be vested enough in the plot to do some thinking.

You have to pay very close attention to many things, many characters and the fronts they represent, and you have to add it all in as the plot progresses. You have to think as one each one of them the whole time, either Salinger, Skarssen (banker-villain), the assassin, Col.

Wexler...etc. They all have such distinct roles in this story, each with any imaginable direction. The characters, to me, are what really make this movie because each one has their own desires in a game with the highest stakes.

I especially loved Salinger because he is this overly dedicated crime fighter that is chasing a case with so many dead ends it's unbelieveable. His very first witness and his family "died in a car accident".

His partner was killed right in front of him at the beginning of the movie, and so was the material witness. All right in front of his face, yet this enemy is untouchable because it's everywhere and so innocent at first glance.

The menace was chilling as it was misleading. Too good. I love this movie for so many reasons. Too bad most people just can't see it. Too vested in action and simple, linear plot lines. Oh well.