Worth its weight in Salt

“Salt” is an exciting movie.  For a summary of the plot, click here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(film) The plot makes little sense but it really doesn’t need too.  Why?  It has a magnificent Angelina Jolie.  She is stunning, energetic, and she never seems to condescend to the movie or her character.  I understand that she did most of the stunt work herself, which is incredible even if she only did one-third of them.  The movie has nonstop action and Jolie moves from one adrenaline-filled scene to another.  In fact, she is in almost every scene.  I have read on the web that some say Ms. Jolie is too thin. I guess that just says to me that we have indeed adjusted our view of what’s normal in order to justify our ever increasing girth. 

Liev Shreiber plays one of the main characters.  He is his usual unremarkable self.  Chiwetl Ejiofor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiwetel_Ejiofor) plays Salt’s CIA antagonist.  He is a compelling actor who has an intriguing voice and style of talking.  He has an interesting background and he deserves all of the attention he receives.  

There is not a lot else to say about the movie.  Jolie is captivating even in a fairly light-weight movie.  Watching her is a real pleasure. 

Most of the movie was filmed in and around Washington, D.C.  For those of you who know the city, it’s always fun to see how movie makers remake a city.  Jolie’s character lives in Adams Morgan and goes into the Metro seemingly across the street, except that it’s not the Adams Morgan Metro entrance.  The subway tunnels are in fact, not those of the DC metro.  They look to me more like the LA subway tunnels.  Some of the supposed DC highways were in fact located in another city and it’s noticeable to those familiar with the city. 

I appreciated that Jolie smiles in this film.  This is a contrast to Daniel Craig’s grim and determined James Bond.  With previous actors, Bond was not only licensed to kill, he was also a bon vivant.  Craig’s Bond is only licensed to kill. 

I recommend “Salt” if you want simply to have fun with an impenetrable plot with holes as wide as the Grand Canyon, exciting action, one powerful and beautiful star.