Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Angelina Jolie stars as CIA operative Evelyn Salt in the new film titled "Salt," and she is terrific.
The opening scenes find her being tortured in a North Korean prison accused of being a spy. But, much to her surprise, she finds herself walking alongside her CIA colleague, Ted Winter ( Liev Schreiber) across the Military Demarcation Line in a prisoner exchange. Protocol states that if caught, you're written off. But Salt is saved thanks to the influence and perseverance of her boyfriend, Mike Krause (August Diehl), a highly respected, German-born arachnologist.
At this point, we fast forward two years and just as Salt is leaving the office, anxious to get home to celebrate her wedding anniversary with Mike, she's called back to interrogate a Russian defector.
Here, with many witnesses present, Salt is accused by the defector of being a Russian spy, imbedded (along with many others) into American Society in her youth after having been indoctrinated and trained for her mission since birth.
What is the mission? He claims Salt is to be involved in the assassination of the Russian president that will turn the tide in U.S. and Russian relations and facilitate the return of the old glory days of the Soviet Union.
With these types of accusations and the fact that all of the brain scans and technology indicate the defector is telling the truth, Salt is detained for additional questioning.
Ah, but this is where our heroine makes a break for it, seemingly concerned for her husband's safety. But her actions do nothing but increase suspicions.
The story at this point takes on so many twists and turns that it's tough to follow, and honestly the plausibility factor falls off the cliff. But the action and special effects are breathtaking. Jolie is amazing and proves once again what an incredible action star she is. Schreiber is another highlight of the film, delivering a complex and riveting character.
"Salt" is reminiscent of some of the old Cold War thrillers, but it lacks the subtle intrigue and finesse. Instead it compensates with non-stop action. Still, "Salt" is certainly entertaining and I'm giving it 3 stars. The film carries a rating of PG-13.
