The International (Blu-ray)

Starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts (sort of)

I am writing this review as a Blu-ray review and believe me when I tell you that these things matter.
Clive Owen works for Interpol along with Naomi Watts and they have been working on a conspiracy involving one of the worlds largest banks and some unsavory activities.
Every time they get a lead, their lead turns up dead or they hit a brick wall. Realizing that working within the confines of the law isn't quite gonna cut it, Owens character decides to do a little work on his own.
I wont divulge too much else of the sometimes convoluted plot but I will delve into the guilty pleasures. I recommend this one as a Blu-ray viewing on a Hi-Def screen because the location shots are simply amazing. From Turkey to New York there is more than enough to visually hold your interest while the story unfolds. Not to be outdone by the stunning cinematography, the set designs are equally noteworthy, in particular is the recreation of the world famous Guggenheim museum in New York. Without really giving away much of the story, there is a fantastic shoot out sequence in the museum that easily ranks up there with Heat and other famous gun fight flicks. Check out the extras for the making of the fake museum, it was really something of an undertaking and it paid off in full.
Another bright spot in the technical department here is the excellent make up effects used. You would actually swear that Owen gets a piece of his ear shot off at one point. Sometimes its the little things like that that can make or break a movie and its credibility. Again, spot on.
Now onto my sly comment on Naomi Watts sort of starring in this movie. There is no love interest, there is no internal feud, there is no chemistry what so ever. She is only in this movie as the pretty blond to sell the film and that's a sort of shame because she is an otherwise great actress.
Other than that and the odd hole in the story that you could drive a truck through, this movie was very satisfying. It is slightly unconventional in wrapping up and to be honest that's a welcome change these days for this type of work.

Rating 3 1/2 bullet wounds out of 5


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