Word on the street is that Tom Cruise has decided to return to active duty in Mission Impossible 4. British enthusiasts will be saddened to learn that the state of James Bond’s license to kill is up in the air due to studio financial concerns with financier MGM. Secret agent fans must make do now with Killers, a sassy romantic comedy that boasts some veteran actors in rather unusual roles.
Ashton Kutcher Tries to Outmuscle the Opposition in this Ridiculous Spy/Assassin Lover Spoof
Armchair travelers ought to enjoy the setting director Robert Luketic (21) has devised. Sunny Nice, France is where we come face to face with Spencer, a hunky espionage ace in the Daniel Craig mould. Young at heart Ashton Kutcher (What Happens In Vegas) rolls with the punches as the suave debonair assassin allegedly doing the good deed for America. Quite by chance he runs into a visiting blonde and then the stakes change considerably.
Travel is difficult at the best of times for some but in Jen’s case things are even more problematic. Likeable Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up) plays the quintessential fish out of water who goes against type and falls for Spencer. And the feeling is mutual. Where the difficulties arise at the outset is that Jen is travelling with her equally offbeat parents, the Kornfeldts. Television veterans Tom Selleck (Magnum P.I.) and Catherine O’Hara (A Mighty Wind) go against type and then some as meddling elders who only want the best for their fine daughter.
Amidst all the ricocheting bullets and car chases these two lovebirds find true romance and settle down. Once back home stateside they try to eke out normal lives only to have their typical pattern shattered when bad dudes (and female troublemakers) decide to seek out revenge. All bets are off and the zaniness expands amid the explosions in this light hearted 101 minute romp that no one should take seriously.
Only Katherine Heigl Comes Off Clean as her Daffiness is Downright Contagious
Played entirely in a tongue in cheek vein Killers is mildy amusing. Tepid chemistry registers between Kutcher and Heigl with the latter again uplifting this film with her sly attitude and ample charm. Today Ms. Heigl is one of the best comedians in the business and the rightful heir to the Lucy/Carol Burnett throne. She’s that good. And Selleck also shows considerable charm as a caring conservative dad only wanting the best for his little girl.
Light hearted and frivolous, Killers is mild fun for those who like tame comedies and timid romance. Take this all in with a big grain of salt.
Robert Waldman - Hi. I'm a film critic from Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, considered to be the number one city in the world and third largest film ...
