"Guess in the end you start thinking about the beginning." This film seems harsher in hindsight now that the couple has broken up, especially when you consider that this film was mostly the reason they got together in the first place. The above quote became particularly poetic by coincidence, as I now wonder if they thought back to this beginning chapter of their relationship.
The film parodies the various stereotypes attributed to gender roles in spy movies to great effect. Jane (Angelina Jolie) is the more professional and precise killer, relying on long-term planning and high-tech gadgets, kinda like Jason Bourne (minus the technology). John (Brad Pitt) is more old-school and rugged, relying on instincts and accomplishing the mission, kinda like James Bond. Even their ways of identity cover-ups match the gender stereotypes. This fun build-up of contrast in their styles of execution pays off quite nicely when their methods clash together later on as they are running from both of their spy agencies. Seeing that there are numerous references to other spy movies, I kinda wish the organization they worked for was explored a little more so that we could further see the contrast in these two different types of movie spies; would have been the closest crossover we'd ever get between MI6 and IMF (and between Bond and Bourne).
The strongest suit of the movie is of course the banter between Brangelina. In fact, the entire film hinges on it to keep it alive and afloat, especially in the duller third act. It even works as an amusing and light-hearted take on honesty in marriage. As per fashion of an unhealthy marriage, things become stale for the couple till the point where they forgot the last time they had sex. After finding out each other's dirty little secrets, they get angry and fight, but eventually they remember why they loved each other in the first place, honesty sets in, and they engage in wild passionate intercourse. "Sometimes you have to battle through," remarked the counselor. "That's marriage, right?" added Jane. It might not be the most accurate portrayal of a marriage, but such an over-the-top allegory is certainly an amusing one.
Although I had a good time for the most parts, this was not an ideal piece of entertainment. Like I said, the film hinges on those two's banter, and scenes without exploration of their marriage can get expository. The similarity I noticed about this film and Liman's more recent film,
Edge of Tomorrow is that they both have a very weak resolution. It's like, once Liman resolved the conflict, he wasn't sure where to go from there and focused more on putting on wrapping things up. That's not how a "resolution" third act works. A resolution should build upon a story by acting as a reflection of the events that have occurred. Its goal shouldn't be rushing the story to its ending (with exposition no less).
That being said, I have to give credit to the back-to-back shootout at the final moments of the film. That was one of the most badass shoot-outs I've seen. After spending the entire film bickering with each other, the two spies finally become one in a beautiful synchronicity.
https://youtu.be/8CCv2lJIroI?t=1m37s★★★½