The International (2009)

Prior to seeing the film, The International appeared to me to be an enigma. Showing high ratings by viewers on most well known movie websites, yet full of nothing but poor reviews from those who felt the need to express their disgrace. How is it possible for a film to appear to be so liked by the masses, have nothing but negative reviews surrounding it? I did not let the negativity of other viewers hinder my own personal decision to see this film, as not only a fan of Naomi Watts I also found the trailer quite interesting and have been looking forward to seeing this for some time. But the undeniable truth is The International is an enigma, stuck somewhere between great and mediocre.

Over exposed Clive Owen stars as the film's mercenary hero Louis Salinger, an Interpol agent with a rather shaky past of not following orders or living up to policy standards. For many years he's been on a case to crack what he believes to be an underground operation of weapons dealing by the IBBC (International Bank of Business and Credit). It's his conclusion that the bank has become the bartering center for the supply of small grade weapons to multiple terrorist organizations, and that by siphoning these transactions through the bank they are controlling everything from money laundering to the destabilization of foreign governments.

When Salinger and his partner are finally able to make contact with an individual of the bank willing to divulge pertinent information that could finally shed the light on the banks corruption, the case suddenly begins to turn sour. The heads of the bank take whatever steps necessarily to make sure Salinger does not expose them, meaning the termination of anyone willing to assist him. Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) is a New York affiliate of Interpol, brought in to assist Salinger in attempting to bring the corruption to light, but as it appears the conspiracy headed by the IBBC runs quite deep through the worlds many organizations and national security groups.

The International can be thought of as the third cousin, twice removed in the family of espionage thrillers. If you happen to hear anything truly positive about this film it's probably the rather graphic shootout at the Guggenheim 3/4 of the way through which helps to solidify the film's R-rating. While definitely a high point and would have made a descent conclusion, the story continues on for another thirty minutes, quickly beginning to lose steam as it aimlessly wanders to a conclusion that progresses the story no further than an abrupt ending thirty minutes prior would have. Ultimately it's the story that seems to bog the film down, trying to grasp and make sense of exactly what's going on can be a little difficult at times the way the it's written and edited. While it doesn't hinder the film from being enjoyable at times, it definitely precludes it from being anything great.

As for the acting The International leaves much to be desired. Clive Owen has been in the film industry for quite sometime now, and his flourished success and popularity is still quite a mystery to me as I've yet to see him in any role that remotely proves he's worthy of such fame. He's a descent action star, but in a more serious film he doesn't seem to be able to permeate his typical emotionless style of acting that makes him appear to be rather stiff and formulaic. Watts on the other hand has proved in the past that she's more than just another pretty face with roles such as The Ring, King Kong, and my personal favorite The Painted Veil. But as of late Watts appears to be taking roles that are less of a challenge and more of the typical co-star female role. Overall, The International isn't a horrible film, I was never once bored and don't for a minute regret watching it, but with that said I don't believe it's a film that really warrants a special trip to the theater or the inflated price of admission. It's a thriller better left to a $4 weekend rental, that's sure to be a decent two hour diversion and nothing more.

6/10