Knight and Day (2010) Review - Starring: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Jordi Molla

Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy

Theatrical Release: Jun 23, 2010

Synopsis: An action-comedy centered on a fugitive couple (Cruise and Diaz) on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one - even... An action-comedy centered on a fugitive couple (Cruise and Diaz) on a glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure where nothing and no one - even themselves - are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth vs. trust. [More]

Starring: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Jordi Molla

Director: James Mangold

Knight and Day (2010) Movie Review

In James Mangold's latest "Knight and Day", Cruise plays Roy Miller - a rogue secret agent who is trying to protect a perpetual energy source and its creator from the so-called bad guys. A chance encounter sees June Havens,played by Diaz, caught up in the situation and she finds herself being dragged along on an ultra-dangerous journey to ensure the safety of Miller's charge and ultimately get her life back to normal. With some captivating eye-candy scenery along the way - Sevilla, Spain; Salzburg, Austria; Point Mugu, California, and some impressive over-the-top stunt work, the script unwinds at a brisk pace as soon as Cruise and Diaz lock eyes on each other and never lets up the pace. The combination of a romantic comedy and an action flick is done with the correct dosage. It knows when to be funny, it knows when to be romantic, and it knows when to cut all that off and throw you into the action. However, what truly carries this film, is the undeniable charisma of the dual leads. Cruise and Diaz are two of the biggest names in Hollywood and they do share some nice chemistry together. Tom Cruise looks like he's having the time of his life playing such a crazy character. Diaz also has her share of critics, but she is perfectly cast - slightly quirky, yet utterly beguiling, and sexy in a feminine, vulnerable way. You want these two to succeed, not only in the many life and death situations they find themselves in, but also as a couple. The developing romance is predictable, but fun to watch. Paul Dano and Peter Skarsgard are well-cast, but are never really given anytime to do anything more than spout a few lines before the camera is turned back to the headlining duo of the film. "Knight and Day" has this 'comic book' feel to it, with all the the preposterous situations and the hundreds of bullets that didn't find their mark - completely ridiculous, yet hilariously enjoyable. Overall, "Knight and Day" is gripping and quite funny, and it has some very well-made and nicely-choreographed action sequences, cracking car chases and a twisting and turning plot that, although not overtly testing, does keep it fresh throughout.

A Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Reality Show: Good Or Bad Idea?

The biggest celebs around these days are reality TV stars. They get the covers of magazines, endorsement deals, invites to parties and all of the press. The flashbulbs go wild for The Real Housewives of New York, The Situation from Jersey Shore, Ali from The Bachelorette, and the Kardashians. It makes sense that the next trend would be Hollywood actors and actresses jumping on board the reality train.

Tom Cruise and Katie Homes, A-list royalty, are reportedly “contemplating” a show. Tom is of course, demanding total control. The project would be presented as a documentary of his family’s life and include footage Tom shot himself. 

“He’s been filming Katie and other aspects of his life for the past month. The original impetus was that he would select a few personal clips to show fans, but word has got out through his agents (CAA) and he is currently fielding offers from entertainment companies. Tom is now deliberating what to do with his footage. No deal has been struck…” says a source.

I would totally be glued to my screen (no potty breaks!), as I am sure many others would. However,  is this a good a bad idea for the Cruise family? Some pros and cons:

Pros
Tom’s career is tanking. His latest flick, Knight and Day, failed at the box office and Hollywood execs feel that he is no longer the bankable star he once was.  This could get his career back on track if it shows him in a positive light.

Weird rumors about Scientology, his fight over psychology and the word “glib” with Matt Lauer on the Today show, and some jumping on Oprah’s couch  has ruined Tom’s image and he has become seen by many as a crazy Xenu worshiping lunatic. Viewing him as a family man with his wife and child could improve his public image.

A popular show would also boost Katie’s career and help her promote some of her new projects like Extra Man and the Kennedy movie she is working on.

When Suri gets older she’ll have some nicely edited footage of her childhood.

Cons

Tom is in control and Tom does not always know what is best for Tom. He could prove everyone right in thinking he is slightly off, especially if the footage involves anything Scientology related. No one wants to watch Katie being audited. If things seem too forced and perfect, it will also be damaging. There is plenty of danger in ruining both their careers for ever.

It could be detrimental to Suri if you prescribe to the argument that it is always wrong to put children on reality TV because they are not old enough to make that decision for themselves.

What do you think? Good idea or bad idea?