Knight and Day

Release Date: Jun 23, 2010 

Runtime: 2 hr. 10 min. 

Director: James Mangold 

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Viola Davis, Paul Dano. 

After the much-applauded stint as studio head Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder,” Tom Cruise attempts another comeback as his alter ego, action hero. His latest role in “Knight and Day,” fortunately, does just that, but in the form of a hybrid Cruise. He retains the characteristic traits he’s been known for, mixed with a whole lot of crazy. The trailer seemed promising enough and the film delivers some of it, mainly due to the oddball chemistry between the two stars. The plot, however, falters over the course of the film, careening out of control amid car chases and drug-related blackouts. Elaborate schemes and hazy transitioning do little to hide the façade of a lazy script and lack of character development. It’s as if the studio was solely relying on its stars to carry the film and nothing more. Still, it’s a decent flick if you’re looking for mindless fun and miss the old Tom Cruise that didn’t jump on couches. One can only hope. 

Rating: 2½ stars