Salt

Director: Phillip Noyce

Run Time: 1 hrs. 39 min.

Rating: PG-13

The Bouw-Man.

For all the hype over this film, one can conclude from the trailer that you have a classic “either or” situation.  The main character, Evelyn Salt, is either a Russian Spy or is being set-up to appear as one (probably by some government official or agency).  If they want to keep their heroine as a protagonist, then it’s the latter.  Hopefully there’s more to it than that, because audiences don’t necessarily have see another espionage film where the outcome is pretty much “cut and dry.” I never really have understood why Angelina Jolie is as popular as she is.  She has made a lot of bad movies, and her best ones (“Wanted,” “The Bone Collector,” “The Good Shepherd,” “Pushing Tin,” etc.) have her in more of a supporting role.  Obviously, she is a very attractive woman.  However, she has done enough sex scenes in films throughout her career that seeing her in another is not a reason to check out her latest work.  Plus, “Salt” is rated “PG-13.”  Rent or buy “Taking Lives” or “Original Sin” if you want to see Jolie at her sexiest best.  Anyway, back to “Salt.”  We obviously have another “Fugitive-type” film where the main character is either on the run to clear her name or probably positioning herself to assassinate someone.  I’m betting “Salt” will not be nearly as good as “The Fugitive,” so it best left to Jolie “diehards” who just like to see her in action films.

Prediction.

$45 million seems about right for “Salt.”  “Wanted,” which is a pretty good indicator of Jolie’s appeal, came in at $51 during its opening weekend in 2008.  “Salt” doesn’t seem as interesting as “Wanted,” plus “Inception” will probably take away some of its projected business as it goes into weekend number two. 

Opening Weekend Gross: $45 Million

Noodles.

When taken at face value this trailer looks like this could be an exciting thrill ride. Quite frankly I knew they had me the when you see Angelina Jolie's bare thigh wrap around that guy in the doorway. There are just two things that give me pause about getting excited about seeing this movie...

#1 - Its eerily similar in tone to the Borne Trilogy - We've all enjoyed Matt Damon's fabulous portrayal of amnesia/ass kicker/ spy Jason Borne. Every movie seemed to get slightly better than the previous one. Part of the reason is that unlike many recent movies in this genre, it treats the audience like adults with exciting action, mature themes, and excellent character development. This trailer leads me to believe that it could have all those things going for it, but doesn't convince me that its in that league.

#2 - The PG-13 Rating -  A violent movie which showcases a sexy woman like Jolie in what looks obviously like some kind of sex scene, and you give it a PG-13 rating? To me that means that the film will only go so far before it has to watch its mouth for the kids. We'll see hardened criminals swearing excessively with the word "Damn" or "Shit" (which has come into acceptance on regular cable thanks to shows like Rescue Me), or someone will get shot and instead of spraying blood the body will hit the ground to die horribly, but out of sight. PG-13 has been the bane of adult themed movies that don't have the heart to go "R". Producers want to make more money trying to make a film more acceptable to younger audiences, and end up with a crappy movie that no one wants to see. 

Prediction.

Say what you want about Angelina Jolie, but the woman is beautiful and she has shown repeatedly that she can act. She's even given good action hero performances in movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Will she carry this film to blockbuster status? I don't think so.

Opening Weekend: Gross: $27 Million

SHOWTIMES & TICKETS

Enter ZIP Code: