A Grain of ‘Salt’ Worth the Cinematic Ride By Art Byrd

Before I see a movie, I try not to read any review or talk to anyone who has seen it before I do, mainly because I would like to see the movie fresh -- without judgment.

With “Salt,” I broke my rule and watched a TV movie-review show. They referred to the film, starring Angelina Jolie, as lesser version of “Bourne Identity,” the popular movie series starring Matt Damon as bedeviled ex-spy Jason Bourne. They went as far as calling the movie “Sodium Identity,” declaring it an empty movie without much depth. I went to the film with low expectations.

Folks, this is a lesson in forming your own opinion after hearing others’ -- including mine -- and still going to a movie you want to see.

“Salt” was a cool roller-coaster ride of a movie. The movie was deep and good. Jolie is above amazing in this movie. She plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA operative who has a hidden past that surfaces when she interrogates a Russian defector, played by Daniel Olbrychski. The defector confides -- with a full CIA audience in another room -- that a double spy plans to assassinate the Russian president.

Then, he gives the name Evelyn Salt as the person who will commit the crime. She tells him that she is Evelyn Salt. He very coolly says, “Then you are a double spy.” Her colleagues react with disbelief and try to detain her. She agrees, but she wants to find her husband to make sure he is okay. Then, CIA agents start to question her motives and try to lock her down. She escapes by running down the streets of Washington, D.C.

Then all heck breaks looses (I know there’s another word, but you get my point).

I have most likely given away too much. This movie has some great twists and turns in it. You are not sure what side Salt really is on. She is married to a nice guy, played by August Diehl. There is a great plot going on with the Russians and a scheme that has played out recently -- for real -- with Russian spies.

The action sequences are the best I’ve seen in films for awhile. Jolie’s looks get a lot of attention, but she is a good actress and can really express pain and conflict. She is an action star.

The supporting cast is great, starting with Liev Schreiber, who plays Salt’s superior, Ted Winter, and the always solid Chiwetel Ejiofor as Counterintelligence Officer Peabody.

“Salt” moves fast with lots of details and hints, but the main question is whether Salt is good or bad. One thing I can tell you is that a cool ending sets up a sequel I can’t wait for. Those TV reviewers can get ready for Evelyn Salt to meet Jason Bourne for “Sodium Supremacy.”

Edited by Michele Ristich Gatts