Review of The Tourist (2010) by Joel M — 07 Oct 2011

The Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie vehicle "The Tourist" got deported from most film critics' "promising 2010 movies" list and was even charged of global conspiracy by its various unexpected Golden Globe nominations. But after finally setting ground with a Tourist viewing, I must admit that I found it to be very entertaining. Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's (wow, my fingers need a rest from typing that name) "The Tourist" stars Jolie as Elise Clifton-Ward, a British beauty whose lover is wanted by the Interpol and the Mafia for stealing a bunch of dough from a mafia tyrant. Elise receives a note from her fugitive lover to pick out a stranger on a train with the same build & look as him so the Interpol and the Mafia can seek out the wrong man; "strangers on a train" and "the wrong man", sounds like a Hitchcock homage festival. You can Depp that the stranger on a train turns out to be Depp's character Frank Tupelo; an American math teacher who is a (well what do you know!) a tourist setting his sights on Italy. When Elise sets her sights on Frank, a whole bunch of adventure pursues from both the Interpol and the Mafia who has their sights on them. Frank is infatuated with the luscious Elise; and even though he is bewildered by the whole lunacy of being a marked man, he does not mind it too much because what he is most craving for is a piece of Elise. Italy plays an integral role in the aura & plot of "The Tourist" and von Donnersmark did an admirable job in highlighting Italy's breathtaking features with a fast paced narrative. von Donnersmark's screenplay was sharp and even though it was cheesy at times, it was still compelling enough to grasp & maintain your attention. Even though I do not think it warranted a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination, Depp's performance as Frank was sturdy enough to enjoy. And my exact sentiments go for Jolie's work as Elise; even though my vain male humanoid side was more excited to sightsee Jolie than Depp in "The Tourist". Solid supporting turns also landed on the bright side in "The Tourist" from Paul Bettany as an arrogant Interpol Inspector, and by former Bondsman Timothy Dalton as his Chief Inspector. "The Tourist" is no "Casablanca", but its definitely worth the trip.

**** Good.