The International (2009)

Tom Tykwer directs this engaging thriller about Interpol agent Louis Salinger who, along with Manhattan assistant district attorney Eleanor Whitman, invistigate an arms smuggling ring powered by one of the most powerful banks in the world. We all have ideas that there's some big hands pulling the strings of the world, and I love how this film uses financial institutions as the focus, showing just how big of a role banks have in global issues, criminal or otherwise.Of course, since this is a thriller, the criminal side is the foucs, and that's fine with me. I like the idea of big banks being the force behind international terrorist organizations and the forces behind the destabilization of governments. This is a smart film, and relatively realistic and down to Earth compared to most similar films, namely the Bourne films. Sure, those have tons of style and action, but the penetic editing style makes them confusing at times, especially during the action setpieces. With this one, things are still stylish, yet more low key and downplayed. When there is action though, such as the awesome shootout at The Guggenheim, not only is the movie awesome and thrilling, but you can actually tell what's going on. If only more studios would catch on....Yeah, the film's plot is kinda muddled, and you really have to pay attention, but this is not for people wanting mindless action. It's brainy, engaging, and still manages to entertain. I could have used a bit more clarity, but, I do applaud the film for having a really realistic and downbeat ending.Clive Owen and Naomi Watts are solid in their roles as Salinger and Whitman respectively, and there's some good work from Stahl and O'Byrne as well. Some critics acused the film if not having any "human" characters, but that's because they were expecting typical genre characterizations instead of something more grounded. Usually the critics complain that characters in these movies aren't realistic, so, now that they are, they also complain?!? Geez...Anyways, this is a pretty decent film. I wasn't quite convinced at first, since it is rather slow and lite on slam bang thrills, but, when it does get into that territory, it doesn't disappoint. If you want a thriller that's not quite more of the same, then give this a shot.