From Paris with Love Movie Review

The next film from director Pierre Morel after his 2008 spy thriller hit “Taken” is derived from a story idea by French action filmmaker Luc Besson. Written by Robert Mark Kamen, “From Paris with Love” follows the footsteps of “Taken” as it converts famed drama stars into believable deadly spies.

The film features Reese (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) living a double life as an assistant at the American embassy in Paris and as a dull low-ranking errand boy for the CIA. After much waiting in a terribly boring life, Reese finally gets his break when he is assigned his first real-life espionage mission. Reese would be assisting and accompanying trigger-happy Charlie Wax (John Travolta) through the course of the mission who first appeared in the movie strikingly attempting to steal a suitcase full of energy drinks through customs then running and firing two Uzis at the same time in slow motion.

Gaining positive points for the film is the amazing cinematography and filming sequences carefully crafted and skilfully done by Morel. The action scenes are highly anticipated and certified to deliver tension and excitement with every move. Each frame connects with the other smoothly even those fastest and most kinetic of shots. Though there are moments of interruption caused by the slow motion sequences, these shots are quickly forgivable and acceptable for they offer a greater and more detailed view of the amazing effort placed by actors and their stunts in the moves. The dedication and intense heart the production crew is clearly evident in the action scenes. Choreography was top-notch and well-executed. One wouldn’t even figure out the real actors were already replaced by substitutes in some scenes.

Despite the film’s great good points, there were also several factors that were pulling it down. As an actor, Travolta is undeniably likeable in the roles he portrays. He’s one of the few limited actors in Hollywood capable of taking audience in a full ride with him. However with this film’s lack of deep emotional involvement and inspiration, viewers may not feel for “From Love of Paris” as much as they usually do in Travolta’s previous films.

One major setback that could contribute to the confusion of audience is the ironic title. Originally people know Paris as a City of Love but in this film, the title isn’t well suited for what is depicted as a city filled with bloodlust. Aside from the major interpretation mishap, the film is also thriving in role reversals not common of the city.

Unfortunate for both Travolta and Meyers, the film’s screenplay had pushed them down big-time. It’s painful to see and hear Travolta being weighed down by the expletive-heavy dialogue that makes him come across as a foreigner trying hard to imitate a typical American tough guy. In the looks department, Travolta successfully delivers with his shaved head, goatee, and pirate earring. However Meyers meanwhile had been made to look as ordinary as can be alongside him. Both his get-up and character make Rhys Meyers fall back behind the shadow of Travolta’s overpowering role.