Review of True Lies (1994) by Jhon E — 11 Aug 2010

At times True Lies may seem silly, contrived, over-the-top, but it manages to have some light comedy and genuinely entertaining action sequences. This is return of the Arnold as he enters the high budget action film True Lies. In fact, True Lies was the first film to exceed the budget of 100 million. Is True lies a horrible action film, no to some maybe, but it manages to have enough action and fun to keep me interested. It is not a great film though, True Lies has many flaws. To me, True Lies is a good James Bond film, because I have never liked James Bond.

Well despite what people think, I actually did not mind Arnold (not even going to try to spell his name). He may be no De Niro, but he did an all right job, and is a pass mark for me. Sure, he may be a big brute, but he manages to blurt out his lines with some convincing dialogue. Jamie Lee Curtis was very good, she played her part well and I had no complaints. Yes I realise the famous scene where she dances in her underwear, I was not too excited, because I heard a rumour she is currently or was a hermaphrodite. I am not one to fall into the latest rend (watching black-and-white movies gets me out of that club) but I just cannot get my mind around that rumour. The acting was generally good for an action film, no obvious weak links. A few characters were blown-out of proportion, like the girl on the bad side (so James Bond...) as she fought the good girl for their lives. I could expect this, but it was very predictable. This may just be me, and I am not usually the one who worries about this, but the terrorists, well perhaps I am wrong, but I found them to be a bit of a stereotype. The film seems to shove the whole ?Arab Terrorist? thing down your throat. Perhaps that is just me, and some of you probably have a hate for that ethnic group. I do not, but I know many do.

The films comedy is quite interesting. There is a whole subplot that makes interesting watching, and funny revelations. A few problems would be the slightly contrived plot. Jamie Lee Curtis is dragged through the battle when she does not have to be, but it is not too bad. It is not as bad as Megan Fox?s purpose in Transformers. Luckily (sorry if you think this is a spoiler) Jamie is not carried through every fight, that?s just Arnie?s job.

Overall, an alright action film that is enjoyable, and is a film to watch while relaxing. We must admit all these ?classics? can get wear us out a bit, it is nice to sit back and watch a film where you do not have to think so much, and this is one of those films. I would recommend this film for a family night movie perhaps, nothing to rave about. I would parade the film around, but I might rent if I cannot find the film I wanted.