Body of Lies (2008, Ridley Scott)
In this action/spy fest, Leonardo Dicaprio plays an undercover CIA agent on the hunt for an incredibly dangerous terrorist group leader. Along the way he has to take orders from Russel Crowe, who's back in the good old US of A raising his kids (rather inefficiently at that). Needless to say, Dicaprio isn't the biggest fan of this CIA boss and the tension rises as the stakes do.
Much to my happy surprise, Body of Lies moves like clockwork. It has the right balance of tension, spy work and sophisticated action sequences that should keep most peoples interest. This is sort of like those Tom Clancy movies, but better. My opinion is decidedly skewed for I am a fan of spy movies first and foremost. However, as a piece of pure popcorn entertainment, it definitely works. I'm not sure why Crowe is here other than the fact that Ridley Scott is directing (they've collaborated several times in the past) and the ending may be a wee bit predictable, but it's a fun night out at the movies.
3.5/5