Salt

Salt, Evelyn Salt – Is She, Or Is She Not
Salt, PG-13, ****, Angelina Jolie, Live Schreiber, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daniel Olbrychski. Columbia Pictures film. Director Phillip Noyce.

From what I have read, the character Salt (Angelina Jolie) was written for a male actor. It is obvious after viewing this movie that Angelina Jolie was the right choice. She inhabits the character with strong action, excellent facial expressions, erotic beauty, and of course, obvious charisma.
At the beginning of the movie, Salt is being tortured by a group of North Korean interrogators. It appears she is being gasoline boarded with petroleum. She is not submitting to their torture procedures.
We fast forward two years, and Salt is married and working with the CIA. It is her two year anniversary, and she is anxious to get home to her husband. Salt is delayed a few minutes in order to use her expertise for extracting information from suspects. A Russian defector wants to warn the United States about an upcoming event. Because of this suspect, Salt is accused of being a Russian spy. Of course this movie was made before the latest news about Russian spies being arrested here in the United States, so it is timely.
In a brief moment, the movie begins its never ending thrills. “Salt” becomes a full blown action drama that continues to the final credits. Jolie is amazing as she performs daring stunts and feats that seem to be relatively easy for her. She is smart and physically capable of defending herself. Salt definitely gives James Bond a run for his money with intelligence, strength, and cold blooded killings.
Action fans will be exhilarated with the car crashes, motorcycle stunts, physical feats, and over the top exploits.
The plot tracks with the action. As the action continues to develop the audience learns more about Salt and her background. Critical parts of the plot are exposed and the audience will be surprised at exactly what happens as the movie continues to reveal key elements.
When the clandestine jigsaw puzzle finally becomes clear, the viewers should be satisfied with the results. This is a well done movie that deserves recognition for originality, surprises, and action.
I recommend the movie for Jolie fans and action antics. Of course, its imagination carries lots of surprises and tense moments.
The supporting cast lends more credibility to this spy thriller. I refuse to give away any more of the plot. It is a movie that must be viewed for its fast pacing and relevant plot. Obviously, individuals in the CIA can become spies and infiltrate our government entities in order to obtain secrets about our country. Robert Hanssen was a CIA agent, and he helped Russia for 20 years. He was a traitor to the United States. Hanssen sold information to Russia. He is now in jail for life. His story is told in the 2007 movie “Breach.” Chris Copper played Hanssen.