Rating: 
Summary: Let the "game" begin.
Review: "Spy Game" is a movie that begins in such a manner that you question your interest in it, but it quickly generates into a gratifying mix of action, suspense, and logical plot twists that are intelligent and witty. With a sense of style and a soundtrack befitting of its hardcore approach, and a cast of well-knowns that chews the material with superb gusto, this is one uniquely satisfying thriller that delivers in all fields, a film that will have you talking long after you've left the multiplex. It also happens to be one of the few movies that makes my job as a film critic surprisingly difficult. There's not a moment in "Spy Game" during which something is going on that adds up to the big picture, which makes the formulation of a discreet synopsis that much harder. And while this presents a challenge, it also proves the movie's brilliance. The plot begins with an undercover operation in a Chinese prison, in which Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt), a CIA agent, makes an attempt to rescue an unknown prisoner, but fails in succeeding. Soon after, word reaches his mentor, fellow CIA agent Nathan Muir (Robert Redford), who is on the brink of retirement. Tom's impending execution for espionage brings Nathan to a top secret meeting with the heads of Central Intelligence, who seem more inclined to ignore the situation than to take action. Nathan's drive to understand their position on the matter leads him to answer their questions about his interactions with Tom, from their initial meeting in Vietnam, to his belief that Tom was incarcerated while trying to rescue Elizabeth Hadley (Catherine McCormack), a missionary with whom he shared a relationship. This is all told in flashback, a technique which begins slowly but evolves as past events lead to the present situation at hand. As all of this is going on, Nathan is using his resources and smarts to devise a plan to rescue Tom before time runs out. The use of reminiscent storytelling takes time to gain momentum; the initial flashbacks allow the relationship between these two different men to expand. Some audience members will lose interest, but as these sequences progress, it gives us an understanding of the complexities and strategies that are important to the success of their various missions. Such a technique is successful in both shaping the characters as well as building up to the later, more intense plot twists. This is done with an exceptionally high degree of energy. As the movie begins to reach the final half hour, everything we've seen, every action and reaction, every small detail or occurrence, will coalesce into one of the most satisfying conclusions to a film of this genre in quite some time. There's a certain degree of predictability to the final moments, yet they leave no loose ends, and manage to live up to the intelligence and delectable logic of the previous events. Director Tony Scott adds an extra kick to his film by incorporating an edgy style that suits the material. From sepia tones and dismal colors, to swift, sometimes frightening cuts, the movie never fails to dazzle the senses as well as the mind. Also worthy of mention is the diverse score from Harry Gregson-Williams, which captures the setting and various moods exquisitely, ranking as one fine composition that blends fast, alternative beats with sweeping, heartfelt emotion. The shining attribute of this gem, however, is its supremely delightful cast, who make the material realistic and exciting. Pitt turns in yet another worthy performance, stock-piling various elements from his previous roles into Bishop's character, whose bold outlook clashes with his naivety with dangerous results. McCormack adds a much-needed mysticism as well as true emotion to Elizabeth, whose motive we're never quite sure of until the movie's finale. Redford steals the show in a patented Redford-esque performance, playing Nathan with all the wit, intelligence and presence that we have come to love him for as an actor. You can grumble about the style of "Spy Game," but there's no denying its ability to entertain in a pleasing fashion. Here's a movie that knows what it's about, and has the good sense and brains to take us there without resorting to cheap tricks or formulaic contrivances. It's a smart thriller that is easily understood once it picks up speed, and everything about it brings a smile to my face.
Rating:
Summary: Play this Game!
Review: Set in 1991, Spy Game revolves around a grizzled veteran CIA operative (played by Robert Redford), and his protege, Tom Bishop (played by Brad Pitt). The story unfolds in flashbacks, as Bishop has been captured by the Chinese government during a botched prison breakout. Bishop's mentor, Muir, is tidying up his affairs as he prepares to retire, but is forced to intercede with the CIA brass as they try to avoid an international incident by painting Bishop as a rogue agent; they hope that by leaving Bishop to be executed in China, the China/USA free trade summit will go off without a hitch. Muir's tale of Bishop's recruitment and training takes us from Vietnam to Germany to Beirut, and we see the behind-the-scenes machinations that REALLY make the world go 'round.... In the hands of a less-skilled director, the constant switching between the CIA tribunal and the globe-trotting flashbacks might have been confusing, but Tony Scott handles them deftly, using little visual tricks to differentiate the various locales, such as the sepia-tinted Vietnam scenes, and the sun-scorched vistas of Beirut. Redford brings humor and depth to Muir; he's always a welcome presence in any movie. Pitt elicits a great sense of sympathy as Bishop, an idealist who might not be cut-throat enough to play this game..... Fans of espionage thrillers won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: UK Review Spy Game
Review: The only worrying moment in the film was when they blew the house up in Beirut, worrying because I had 2 Americans behind me, I doubt if they hadn't been there I would have given it a second thought, but with 11th September and all I did wonder what they were thinking, as no mutterings were heard from them I guess they weren't as concerned as I thought they might be. Yes it is 3 Days of the Condor revisited but what's wrong with that. Some very witty lines and looks from Redford, I thought it was going to be a Brad Pitt movie and was so pleased as a Redford fan that he was in it so much. When's the DVD out?
Rating:
Summary: Spy Game - "Shining Through" Remake?
Review: "Spy Game"'s complicated story and up to the second communications gadgets can't hide the fact that Melanie Griffith and Michael Douglas acted virtually the same story more tightly and with greater conviction in 1991's "Shining Through". The two are parallel from the flashback delivery to the little details (such as the attention given to "cover wives"). It is amusingly ironic that Griffith makes numerous references to other films in her performance. But enjoy "Spy Games" anyhow; Redford is wry and antic as he maneuvers nimbly around his obstructive CIA associates to save the day. Pitt is not as convincing, seeming detached; he may have hit his apogee as the looney in "12 Monkeys". The ending in "Spy Game" is too pat, but by then you're too worn out from laughing at the CIA bumblers to care.
Rating:
Summary: The Spy Game - A Must-See
Review: This movie was very good. It was about 2 hours in length, but I never thought about checking about the time until after it ended. Spy Game has an exciting plot and good good-guys. I think the directors could have attempted to make the actors look a little younger during the flashbacks, and a couple times I caught myself thinking that in the real world, the CIA couldn't be anywhere as dumb as portrayed in the movie. But, the storyline is real good and the flick is an attention keeper. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: I loved this movie!!!
Review: What a great movie! Oh my goodness...I saw this movie the first day it came out at the movies. I love Brad and Robert, they are very very good actors. Anyway...I'm not going to blab on about it, just go see it and then buy the vhs or dvd and watch it again because it is the kind of movie that you can never get tired of watching over and over again. It's sad, it's funny... it's GOOD!!!
Rating:
Summary: Best espionage thriller since "Enemy of the State"
Review: "Spy Game" is probably the best espionage thriller since "Enemy of the State". It is an incredible blend of international intrigue, action and some of the most realistic spy craft I've seen in a movie in a long time. Make no mistakes, this is no James Bond flick. This could be the most real-to-life story you'll never hear about. Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) is a CIA operative who goes rogue in the field, running a risky rescue mission to free a British national from a Chinese prison. When the mission fails, Bishop is tried as a common criminal, found guilty and sentenced to execution. With a major U.S.-Chinese trade agreement in the making, the CIA decides to wash its hands and sweep this one under the rug. Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) is on his last day at the Agency when he is tipped off about Bishop's capture. With less than 24 hours before Bishop's execution and the highest levels of the CIA working against him, Muir puts everything he has on the line to save the life of the man he recruited, trained and worked with from Vietnam to Beirut.
Rating: 
Summary: Two and a half hours of the Condor
Review: Spy Game is an imperfect film but its certainly fun while it lasts. Your enjoyment of the film will probably depend on how many plot holes and red herrings you're willing to accept before walking out of the theater. One should also be warned that Spy Game is the epitome of the type of film badly served by its advertising. The film is neither the comic jaunt nor the intense technothriller that commercials and previews have made it out to be. What the film actually is is harder to say because the film itself, at times, doesn't seem to know. This is the film the returns Robert Redford to the CIA. Back in 1975, Redford was busy discovering what an evil, corrupt organization the CIA apparently was in Three Days of the Condor. In this film, he already seems to know that and doesn't really care. Its a sign of the changing times that the man who was once Hollywood's leading "golden boy" has, in old age, made a specialization is playing cynical, pragmatists. Its also a sign of the time that his performance here is probably one of the most entertaining he's ever given. He certainly seems to be having more fun then back when he was apparently carrying the entire burden of the world on his shoulders in films like All the President's Men, The Electric Horseman, and the rest of his golden boy output. In Spy Game, Redford is a senior CIA agent who is, as always in film's like this, one day from retirement when he discovers that his former "student" in the spy trade (Brad Pitt) has been captured in China and will be executed in 24 hours. As Redford briefs his superiors on his long past with Pitt (leading to a lot of flashbacks to previous missions that vary in interest), he discovers that they are prepared to allow Pitt to die. Hence, the film's rather neat question becomes -- how can Redford rescue Pitt without ever leaving his office? How he does it is implausible (a great deal of his success seems to hinge on people sloppily leaving top secret files conveniently lying around) but a lot of fun. Strip away all the red herrings and you've got maybe a half-hour film. Consider that Spy Game lasts over two hours and it becomes obvious how much of the film's activity really is just excess padding. That said, its all very attractive padding. The film is the latest from director Tony Scott who, unlike his brother Ridley, will never be proclaimed as anything more than a commercial director. However, both Scott Brothers know how to film pretty images and how to keep a slight story moving. Tony Scott does a lot of fancy tricks with his camera and makes even bombed-out Beirut look strangely pretty. It doesn't add up to much but again, its fun to watch. The one exception is an excellent fifteen minute sequence in which we see various scenes of Redford training Pitt's neophyte agent. Its a sequence that hints that this film could have been far more than it actually is and, admitedly, its also a sequence that is more than worth the price of admission. As well, Scott's use of music is excellent. The film's soundtrack will probably have a much longer life than the film itself. Redford, as previously stated, has a lot of fun. The other actors are a mixed bag, most getting trapped with undeveloped characters. Brad Pitt has always been a wonderful character actor and, as a result, often seems ill-at-ease with standard hero roles like the one he has here. That said, he plays the character well and manages to suggest that, underneath the heroic facade, there's at least a little bit of the devil lurking. As well, Larry Bryggman and especially Stephen Dillane are brilliantly bland as Redford's superiors. As oxymoronic as that sounds, Dillane manages to make his character's utter yuppiedom strangely compelling. Its hard to believe this is the same actor who was so passionate in Welcome To Sarajevo. David Hemmings, several pounds heavier since Blow-Up, is a welcome sight in a fun cameo. As the film's nominal love interest, Catherine McCormack is given little to do but be pretty. Since a great deal of the plot hinges on her character, its unfortunate that she doesn't really have a character to begin with. Its a major flaw in a reasonably entertaining film. In the end, this is a fun film that pretends to be about a lot more than it actually is. It is not a film to think about as much as its something to experience for two and a half hours and then, probably, forget. Still, its a fun ride while it lasts.
Rating:
Summary: Solid performances by Redford and Pitt.
Review: 'Spy game' is a simple spy story with terrific performances by its lead actors - Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Pitt plays CIA agent Tom Bishop, who is found, hired and trained by Nathan, played by Robert Redford. Tom Bishop's personal mission in China goes haywire and he is taken captive by the Chinese. And then it is all upto Redford to rescue him. How Redford does it is the rest of the plot, which alternates between the present and the past, as narrated by Redford. Redford plays Nathan effortlessly, with charm and ease. He leaves most of the action sequences to the younger actor and that is a wise thing, considering his age. Yet again, Pitt proves that he has the acting talent to go with his looks. The scenes where Pitt and Redford appear together are nicely written and acted. The only negative points in the film are the background music, which is jarring at times, and the slightly dragging middle part, but it does build up the tempo for the finale. These defects are more than compensated by Redford and Pitt and this is one film that is worth watching.
Rating: 
Summary: Awful
Review: Yet another movie in which Robert Redford gets to reprise his role as an irritating know-all. He has played pretty much the same character for the last ten years, and this time the phoney sagacity emerges though the persona of a CIA commander handing out lines like 'don't ever question my orders again', 'you just lost ten seconds', and (yes) 'you're ten minutes late' to his fawning understrapper Brad Pitt. Yawn. Actually wasn't that last line followed by another admonitory cliché seconds later? Oh yes: 'Don't let it happen again.' By the way, this movie *is* marketed as a thriller. How behind the times is a film which still tries to portray the embattled North Vietnamese as an enemy requiring murderous force to extirpate? How confused is a movie in which Redford refers in one moment to the 'seventeen sects' in Lebanon and thereafter has to use the cumbersomely neutral locution of 'the Lebanese militia' to refer to the sect the US had sided with? How cliched is a movie which intercuts between a tuxedoed reception at an embassy and a gritty car-chase behind the iron curtain? Plus the enemy du jour is - surprise, surprise - the Chinese. The moviemakers' meticulous research and attention to detail requires Redford to pronounce Sheik as 'chic', and of course stealing top-secret documents at Langley is simply a matter of distracting the secretary, swiping them off his desk and hiding them under your jacket.
But I suppose you could just watch it for the garbled morals, the inapposite techno/dance soundtrack and director Tony Scott's frenetic swoop-then-freezeframe camerawork...
|
