True Lies – Arnie does ‘Bond’

After ‘Terminator 2’ in 1991, it was thought that Arnold Schwarzenegger could do no wrong at the Box Office.  Then came 1993’s ‘Last Action Hero’ which, despite me appreciating it, went some way to prove that he couldn’t turn any concept into gold.  So, it looked like he returned to Terminator collaborator James Cameron to get him back (as he always states he will be!).  And back he came in the form of 'True Lies' which is effectively a 'spy movie,' but don't go thinking there's too many similarities to our every own Bond, James Bond.  This is Arnie's take on the genre.  And it works.

Instead of a lone spy effectively saving the world from a nut-case in a volcano single-handedly, Arnie is actually a family man.  It's just his family don't know that he regularly saves the world from nut-cases (just not nut-cases who live in volcanos).  What you get is a two-plot story.  Naturally, Arnie has to uncover a plot with some terrorists who are threatening to blow up one major city unless he gets a new battery for his camcorder (you'll have to watch the film to get that one!).  On the other hand, you have Arnie juggling his chosen profession with his wife (expertly portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis) and his daughter (a young Eliza Duskhu) who is beginning to grow up, almost without him.

In fact, either story could almost exist as its own film and, whereas the beginning of the film starts off more 'spy orientated' the middle veers dramatically off into 'family drama' territory, before finally coming full circle and giving us some classic Arnie action set-pieces towards the end.  It's a fun ride all in all.  It never takes itself seriously (like today's spy thrillers, i.e. Bond/Bourne) and there are plenty of genuinely funny moments from all the cast (especially in the middle part courtesy of Bill Paxton's character).  Then you have the action for us Arnie fans and overall a decent story which still holds up today.  It's worth noting that when the 'true' action comes in the final act, it's on a pretty spectacular level - I'm thinking of the chase across the bridges in the Florida Quays and the subsequent fight on top of a moving harrier jumpjet which had to have a new form of bllue-screen special effects room created for the task.  However, I guess looking at it some twenty-four years later, I can see how some may feel like the representation of women has come a long way.  Depending on your political viewpoint you could say that Jamie Lee Curtis does get a little 'exploited' here and there and, for a director who has become well-known for his portrayal of strong women (Ripley/Sarah Connor) this could be seen as a step backwards.

But, if you can bring yourself to forgive this little social blooper then you should be in for a fun ride.  It's not 'family friendly' enough to be enjoyed by the whole family (due to its bad language and violence), but if you like comedies, spy movies, or just Arnie-style action then you should get your fill here.  Just one thing... why no 'I'll be back' here?  Surely it could have been worked in somewhere?!
9/10 almost as perfect as The Godfather