The Tourist (2010) Movie Review
Rated: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language
Alexander Pearse is a bad boy. He's wanted by the British authorities for tax evasion. He's also wanted by a mobster, Reginald Shaw (Berkoff), for embezzling billions while in his employ. However, Alexander has a soft spot for Elise Ward (Jolie), and it's no secret. Everyone seems to be watching Elise and waiting for Alexander to reappear after two years in hiding. Inspector John Acheson (Bettany) is so convinced Pearse will come back for her, he's willing to push the limits as far as necessary to get his man.
Elise receives a letter from Alexander with instructions. She's to board a specific train to Venice and select a man of his approximate build to befriend. Elise sits down with Frank Tupelo (Depp), a math teacher from Michigan. The aim is to convince authorities that Depp is actually Pearse, reemerging after $20 million worth of plastic surgery.
Unfortunate for Mr. Tupelo, the very dangerous and vengeful Mr. Shaw catches wind of Elise's trip. His private jet is rerouted and it seems everyone will be heading to Venice.
When Elise and Frank arrive, he finds himself standing alone on the dock with unraveling map in hand. Elise offers him a ride and takes him to the exquisite Danieli hotel where she checks them in as husband and wife. Aware the cops are watching, she gives Frank a tender kiss on the balcony that night before instructing him to sleep on the couch.
The next morning, all hell breaks loose as Shaw's men sneak into the room to grab Pearse. Frank is forced to climb out the bathroom window in his pajamas and run for his life along the rooftops as gunmen follow him. I found that Frank Tupelo runs a little bit like Jack Sparrow (Depp's role in Pirates of the Caribbean), which was humorous.
A series of twists, turns and surprises lead up to the grand finale twist at the end. There are some bad people ! in this film. The majority of them wear badges.
If you're looking for a movie strong on qualities of chivalry, loyalty and love over steamy, sultry sex appeal you'll find The Tourist fits that bill. If the movie has a fault, it is the lack of sensual chemistry between Jolie and Depp. The tourist is a sweeter romance. I think if Angelina & Johnny had more steamy scenes, it would have been awkward.
Angelina's wardrobe for this movie was unimaginably beautiful. Her make up and British accent transformed her. It was a shame they put her onto teetering heels. Ms. Jolie stands in heels quite well but walking is a different matter entirely. More than one elegant scene was eclipsed by the actress performing the march of the stilettos.
Casting changes - Johnny Depp replaced Sam Worthington for the role of Frank Tupelo. Worthington left due to creative differences. Charlize Theron was the originally cast for the part of Elise. It's hard to imagine the possible pairings between the four of them.
I pay for the DVD service that provided this movie to me with my own funds. I was not compensated to review this film.
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