My Blog: 'The Tourist': The Reviews Are In!

Sonntag, 12. Dezember 2010

'The Tourist': The Reviews Are In!

Not all critics were won over by Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp's star power.
By Eric Ditzian

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in "The Tourist"
Photo: Sony Pictures

Critics may not be fawning over "The Tourist," but Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie remain big box-office draws, perhaps even more so internationally than here in the States. So while oodles of critics continue to take shots at the new flick, it's likely to attract a sizeable audience.

But will "The Tourist" top the $20 million mark? Will it fall short? Is the movie the right choice for you this weekend, as it faces other new entrants like "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" or the platform release "The Fighter"? Check out what the critics are saying and decide for yourself.

The Story
"One morning in Paris (France, we're helpfully informed), the exquisite Elise Ward (Jolie) strolls down to her favorite cafe and receives a letter from her lover, Alexander Pearce, whom we eventually learn is an elusive, high-class thief wanted for stealing $744 million. Her actions are closely monitored by a team of Scotland Yard detectives led by Inspector Acheson (Paul Bettany, high-strung), whose determination to collar Pearce borders on obsession. Following Pearce's exact instructions, Elise hops a Venice-bound train, where she subtly puts the moves on Frank Tupelo (Depp), a random, slightly rumpled American traveler whose provenance ('a math teacher from Wisconsin') is the script's idea of a joke worth repeating. Employing an arsenal of suggestive glances and coy one-liners, Elise contrives to throw the cops off the scent by making them think Frank is Pearce." — Justin Chang, Variety

The Elegant Details
" 'The Tourist' is one of those movies that will leave some viewers scratching their heads, wondering why there isn't more action, more snazzy editing, more obvious crackle between its stars, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. But I suspect the people who get 'The Tourist' will simply adore it: It's the kind of espionage caper that doesn't get made anymore, a visually sensuous picture made with tender attention to detail and an elegant, understated sense of humor. In style and construction, its spiritual godfather is Stanley Donen's 'Charade'; thematically, its fairy godmother is Preston Sturges' 'The Lady Eve.' If it were a drink, it would be a Bellini, fizzy and sweet and dry all at the same time." — Stephanie Zacharek, Movieline

The Romantic Drama
" 'The Tourist' nearly works as a slow-paced, romantic drama. Unfortunately this isn't a slow-paced, romantic drama; it's supposed to be some kind of action-thriller. But the script is as light on action as it is on thrills and director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's movie crawls by at a snail's pace, relying on star chemistry and beautiful backdrops to keep you interested in all the moments when nothing of any real consequence seems to be happening. While it's true that there's pleasure to be had in watching Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie motoring endlessly through the watery, stunning streets of Venice, there's barely enough here to justify making it a movie." — Josh Tyler, Cinema Blend

The Dissenters
"Star power can cover up a multitude of shortcomings in a film. Turns out stupidity isn't one of them. Nor is a lack of chemistry when those stars are tossed into the same orbit. Throw in the feeling that they aren't really trying, but instead showed up for the mondo payday and the first-rate locations and you have ... well, you have 'The Tourist,' with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, a movie that is difficult to characterize as a disappointment because mediocrity seems to be what they were shooting for." — Bill Goodyknoontz, The Arizona Republic

The Final Word
"It's probably best to head into 'The Tourist' with the mindset that you're going on an actual vacation yourself. If you're in the mood for mindless, escapist fun — dazzling scenery, elegant evenings, decadent hotel suites and expensive clothes — you'll be fine. There are all the obligatory chases and shootouts you'd expect in a romantic action caper, but you never get the sense that anyone's in real danger. There are twists, but they won't make you think too terribly hard, and in the end you will have devoted fewer than two hours of your life to a decent diversion." — Christy Lemire, The Associated Press

Check out everything we've got on "The Tourist."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

Related Videos

Related Photos