"The Tourist" Not Worthy of Its Golden Globe Nominations

There was controversy earlier this year about the stars of the movie I am about to review. Arguably two of Hollywood's brightest stars, Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are much like the award for which they were nominated - - golden. When they walk the red carpet all eyes are on them. Therefore, it behooves the powers-that-be to lure them to award events whenever they can.

Still, many cried foul when both Depp and Jolie were nominated for Golden Globes in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories for their film "The Tourist". Perhaps that was because the movie was heavily panned. Maybe it was because both performances were lackluster. Either way, I tend to agree that the nominations were probably misplaced.

"The Tourist" is about a thief who managers to steal billions of dollars from a European gangster. Then he disappears for two years underground. During that time he gets major plastic surgery to disguise himself.

Unfortunately, he leaves his ladylove, Elise Ward (Jolie), behind. She is being trailed incessantly by the police who are desperate to find her lover. An inspector played by character actor Paul Bettany leads them. He is intent on bringing in the mark at any cost, including the lives of innocent people.

Eventually Elise receives a note from the mystery man with instructions to board a train to Italy. Along the way she is supposed to find a man of the same height and build as him. She is instructed to make the police believe that individual is actually him.

She chooses an American, Frank Tupelo, played by Johnny Depp. He is a quiet and demure math teacher from Wisconsin. Frank is merely on a holiday; hence the name "The Tourist".

However, there is something about Frank that draws Elise in and she finds that she cannot just throw him to the police as instructed. That is especially true when she discovers the gangster from whom the money was stolen is also on his trail.

Throughout the movie, Frank finds himself in and out of a dozen life or death situations; all for the fascination of Elise. In the end, he even makes the grandest gesture of all; trading his life for hers. That is when things really get interesting.

By all accounts, this cat and mouse game should be thrilling. Jolie never looked more beautiful. Depp never looked more interesting. Yet somehow it just doesn't work. The film has a few moments here and there but they never quite find fruition in a satisfying manner. Ultimately, the movie just falls flat.

I tend to agree with those that believe Depp and Jolie did not deserve their Golden Globe nominations. Both have played much better characters in the past. Essentially, in this film, they simply play themselves. Who deserves an award for that?

The screenplay penned by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Christopher McQuarrie, Julian Fellowes, and Jerome Salle is interesting enough. Handled correctly, it might have even been great.

The fault may lie with von Donnersmarck's direction. One has to wonder if he was responsible for the characters that somehow went awry.

The cinematography, while nicely done, isn't anything spectacular. The set direction, on the other hand, is luscious and over-the-top enticing.

Sadly, for whatever reason, "The Tourist" simply just doesn't hit on all cylinders. It sputters and dies more than once. That kept me from buying into the whole adventure and left me wanting my rental money back.

I can't give this film high marks. The truth is it just doesn't deserve them, which then really begs the question. What was with those Golden Globe nominations? I think there is some truth to the thought it was just a way to get the stars to attend the event. That's a slap in the face to the actors and actresses that deserved to be there.

I give "The Tourist" two and one-half out of five stars. There is nothing unique or special about this film.

RATING SCALE USED:

0 = A stinker. Don't waste the money!
1 = Bad. Rent it at your own risk.
2 = Below average. See only if you have time to kill.
2.5 = Average. A toss up.
3 = Good. Worth a looksee.
3.5 = Very Good. I recommend it.
4 = Excellent. Don't miss it!
4.5 = Outstanding. What are you waiting for?
5 = Destined to become a classic. You will be sorry if you don't see it.