Rating: Summary: Val Kilmer in Disguise.... Review: For Val Kilmer fans, you will be highly amused by the variety of costumes and disguises. Elisabeth Shue shines and brightens up the screen like sunlight on a cold Russian day. Since I am not tainted by "The Saint" legend, I can say this was an enjoyable movie just for the movie alone. The director doesn't give you all the answers at the beginning of the movie, so you have to figure it out as the movie goes along. Simon Templar (Val) is the espionage hero and he is basically a thief who wants to make money from stealing scientific secrets (but for a good cause ;). We never believe he is doing anything wrong because he is trying to find the secret to how energy can be made more easily to keep everyone warm. People are dying in the cold because of an oil shortage. Elisabeth Shue finds her way into his heart and yet he betrays her trust. She is completely forgiving and falls in love with his charm. Together they must escape from the Russian Mafia and that adds a touch of adventure. Elisabeth Shue and Val Kilmer have incredible chemistry in this movie and when they kiss, sparks fly all over the place. Val Kilmer looks really hot in his leather pants and it is a pity he changed out of them. ;> I liked his "artistic" character the best, although he looks quite handsome in a moustache as well. This does have a James Bond-like style, with some of the high tech aspects. He even jumps off a building and climbs through a water pipe that could fill at any moment. I guess I've seen Val in Batman Forever, Top Gun, (voice in) The Prince of Egypt and At First Site. If you liked Mira Sorvino's acting in First Site, you will love Elisabeth Shue. They both have a certain sensitive spirit. I especially like the fact that Beth is into poetry and science. While Simon Templar (Val) is living in his past, she is living in the future. She helps to make him realize his own potential. He in turn supports her love for making the world a better place. Recommended for Val Kilmer fans and for those who enjoy James Bond type movies. Val Kilmer is not Roger Moore, nor would I want him to be. I am however now interested in seeing the original Saint series. Some elements of this movie also reminded me of Entrapment. If you love movies about Russia, look for Dr. Zhivago. It is also one of the most romantic movies ever! However, unlike this movie, it is a "tragic" love story in the deep of winter!
Rating: Summary: 'You can't come to Russia and not play Russian roulette'. Review: If you are like me then you can't resist a good spy film; especially if my saint, Val Kilmer, appears in it! The film doesn't really follow the storyline of the books or the series, with Roger Moore. If you are nostalgic about the series then this probably isn't the best film for you. The film itself is a blend of action, romance and comedy at times. The stars of the film; Val Kilmer (Heat) and Elizabeth Shue (Hollow Man), have a genuinely believable romance that leaves any Val Kilmer fan wishing that they were Elizabeth! As for the Russians in the film; they add a refreshing edge which reminds us of how corrupt the World can be. The film follows the life of a thief who's only aim is to make $50 million, any way he can, and he uses the names of Catholic Saints to hide his trail. Meanwhile in a small corner of the World, Dr. Emma Russel has just discovered a scientific Phenomenon. The Russians want her discovery and they are willing to pay whatever and kill whoever it takes to get hold of it. The Saint then gets caught up in a web of Russian Maffia, intigue and love. When you have seen the film as many times as I have you learn to love each Saint for all their different qualities!
Rating: Summary: highy enjoyable Review: I am a long time fan of Charteris' early Saint stories and I'm very happy with this film. It's set in modern times, but works fairly well as an origin story for the Saint. The Saint was at his best in the early days when he was a closest to his criminal past, but later stories, radio shows, and TV shows glossed over the fact that he was a criminal and made him out to be just a adventure seeking playboy. The Saint lost his edge. What a shame!The early pulp adventures were much more interesting. I liked Roger Moore as the Saint, but wished he'd played the early and more devilish incarnation of the character. Val Kilmer's version of the character is both a modern version and a return to the Saint's criminal and pulp roots. As a long time Saint fan I find this to be most excellent!
Rating: Summary: An excellent and entertaining film Review: Well it's kind of hard to describe this film. It's such a mix of elements that you can't really categorize it. On the one hand it's a romance with great chemistry between Elisabeth Shue and Val Kilmer. On the other hand it's and action film with the standard chase scenes, car explosions, etc. Then there's the spy/thief type element, with Val Kilmer brilliantly playing the chameleon 'saint.' There's even a sub-plot about the need for a clean energy source. So obviously with all those elements there's something in here to appeal to everyone. That's not to say the movie's perfect. Look elsewhere if you want a serious drama, or oscar caliber performances. But honestly the film succeeds on all counts to be entertaining and engrossing. The DVD version doesn't have a lot of extras; only audio commentary and the trailer. However the picture quality is amazing. This is probably the sharpest and brightest DVD I have in my collection. The sound quality is also excellent. So if you want a fun and entertaining movie that you can watch again and again, by all means pick up this disk!
Rating: Summary: You don't believe in all that critic mumbo jumbo do you? Review: Just the other night I caught "The Saint" on television, and I was rapt. Aside from the movies ride through Russia, and the ingenious escape methods of Val Kilmer's character, Simon Templar, a theif with interesting disguises and gadgets, it is the love story that has taken me. Elisabeth Shue's character makes your heart ache: someone so beautiful to be so alone and in search for the magic of love. The chemistry between Kilmer and Shue is absolutely overwhelming, and it makes me wonder why I have read so many critic reviews on this movie that have shot it to the dirt? Why listen to critics anyway? What exactly do they expect? This is a movie where you have to see the beauty and the fun that it displays, and understand the purity and magnificence of true, spirited love. Critics can dog this movie all they want, where it's action may not excite the "Armageddon" fans, and it's suspense may not grip the "Scream" fans, the excellence of this movie is left for those who can relate to it. In this world that lacks magic, is filled with disappointments, and sad, repeititive activities, this movie is the spice that anyone's life can use. Yes, critics, shake your heads in disgust, just know that The Saint's love story alone by far trascends the over-rated greatness of "Titanic" and other such movies that everyone went mad over. Judge a movie by what it gives to you, not by what you expect of it. "The Saint" is definitly 1 of very few movies that will soon be entering my movie collection.
Rating: Summary: good espionage movie Review: The Saint is much better than most modern espionage movies. The Bourne Identity was empty headed and bland. The Saint has twists, wit, and charm.
Rating: Summary: You don't believe in all that critic mumbo jumbo do you? Review: Just the other night I caught "The Saint" on television, and I was rapt. Aside from the movies ride through Russia, and the ingenious escape methods of Val Kilmer's character, Simon Templar, a theif with interesting disguises and gadgets, it is the love story that has taken me. Elisabeth Shue's character makes your heart ache: someone so beautiful to be so alone and in search for the magic of love. The chemistry between Kilmer and Shue is absolutely overwhelming, and it makes me wonder why I have read so many critic reviews on this movie that have shot it to the dirt? Why listen to critics anyway? What exactly do they expect? This is a movie where you have to see the beauty and the fun that it displays, and understand the purity and magnificence of true, spirited love. Critics can dog this movie all they want, where it's action may not excite the "Armageddon" fans, and it's suspense may not grip the "Scream" fans, the excellence of this movie is left for those who can relate to it. In this world that lacks magic, is filled with disappointments, and sad, repeititive activities, this movie is the spice that anyone's life can use. Yes, critics, shake your heads in disgust, just know that The Saint's love story alone by far trascends the over-rated greatness of "Titanic" and other such movies that everyone went mad over. Judge a movie by what it gives to you, not by what you expect of it. "The Saint" is definitly 1 of very few movies that will soon be entering my movie collection.
Rating: Summary: A MIXED BAG IN THE SCRIPT DEPARTMENT BUT STYLISH POPCORN FUN Review: Short story: Val Kimler makes this absolutely worth it. Long story: Yes, it may be a weak throwback to the notorious Saint comics and all that. So what. The movie is modern, stylish and always keeps you on the edge with its elaborate pseudo-politics, intriguing ideas and rehashed romantic mishmash. Whenever it starts to drag Kilmer turns up in a new disguise and that alone carries the film through to its next thrill. Not to mention that the chemistry between Shue and Kilmer is hot enough to sizzle a steak. Add to that mix a high-octane Prodigy-induced sountrack and you've got a fun flick with an exciting roulette of action and suspense. Highly recommended rental.
Rating: Summary: a heavenly film Review: I waited until recently to see The Saint. I'd heard that this was not like the novels and Saint fans wouldn't appreciate it. Nobody told me it was about the early days of The Saint. I watched it a few days ago with reluctance and was won over completely. What a wonderful movie! Shame on me for not watching this sooner. This is a grand adventure and Kilmer is quite good as the early Saint. Fans of The Saint should definitely see this film. I doubt that they will make a sequel, but I'd love to see Kilmer in The Saint In New York.
Rating: Summary: Excellent espionage flick. Review: [...] this is a good flick. [...] and the love story may be sappy but Elizabeth Shue is so beautiful and plays the part so well that you won't even notice. [...] If you like a good espionage film, this is a good one. No, it's not an Oscar-winner, but it's really good I think. It's definitely better than the superstupid James Bond flicks that have been coming out in the last eight years or so.....
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