Night and Day

I've watched this movie at least three times and I like it more each time I see it. I have no idea why critics tanked it when it first came out. This movie definitely has 'staying power' and the goods.

I've come to really appreciate Tom Cruise's ability to provide some top notch comedy. It's not what he's known for, but man can he deliver some really funny scenes. Point in case, "Tropic Thunder". Cruise was absolutely hilarious in this movie. People who make their living being comedians would be hard pressed to match the level he obtains in that movie. "Edge of Tomorrow" is another. Cruise is a man who can deliver on many different levels when it comes to acting. He does just that in "Knight And Day". Cameron Diaz, who I normally don't like very much - does a very good job in this movie and her chemistry with Cruise is spot on.

This movie delivers a good script, beautiful locations, great acting and intense action. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend this film. It delivers on so many different levels. A great way to spend an evening!

Although far inferior in both concept and results, "Knight and Day" has its roots in the classic screwball comedies of the 1930's. Cute, seemingly coincidental airport encounters connect an attractive blonde, Cameron Diaz, who is en route to her sister's wedding, with a handsome man of mystery, Tom Cruise, and a series of wildly improbable events ensues. An early scene aboard a near-empty airliner is perhaps the film's highlight, as Cruise does battle with unknown assailants, while a blissfully unaware Diaz primps in the restroom, intent on seducing Cruise. Perhaps if the humor and pace of this scene had been sustained, the film would have been more successful. If Cary Grant were the dashing stranger and Katharine Hepburn the unwitting accomplice, the film would have been classic.

However, while they are attractive leads, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz are not Grant and Hepburn. Although the pair have undeniable star power and seem to be having fun, their eyes were likely focused more on the paycheck than on the superficial script which lacks the witty exchanges of classic screwball comedy. Also appearing for the money is a talented supporting cast that includes Viola Davis, Peter Sarsgaard, and Paul Dano; unfortunately, none of these gifted performers have roles that stretch their acting skills. With chases, gunfights, and rapid cutting, director James Mangold keeps the film moving at breakneck speed as the cast chases a "McGuffin" in the form of a super battery, whose importance is often lost in the sometimes confusing proceedings.

Although even the classic screwball comedies stretched credibility, Mangold's film uses CGI to create sequences that are beyond preposterous. At times, Cruise seems to be a super-hero with supernatural powers; his close encounters are unbelievable even for a Batman or Fantastic Four. As the complicated plot unfolds, the characters' motivations seem to shift, and the audience is kept guessing as to who can and cannot be trusted and who is working for whom. The action, light comedy, and appealing performers will hold viewer interest throughout, although, like cotton candy, this fluffy piece will fade from memory before the closing credits finish rolling.

Great blend of action and comedy. I never felt that the humor and the small bit of romance (that they had to throw in to make the relationship between the two protagonists believable) detracted from the action. It seemed that every time I was about to think "when's the next action scene" the movie would stop the thought with a well timed laugh or another action sequence making me never feel like I was waiting for the story or the action to resume.

It was also refreshing to see Tom Cruise play a part that wasn't meant to be almost completely emotionally impotent. I've never before seen him play a character where his face actually SHOWED such a full spectrum of emotions. Cameron Diaz also runs a gamut of emotional and psychological states as she progresses from the sheltered, Midwestern blonde who's in way over her head to the semi-savvy (albeit awkward) companion/sidekick of a rogue spy trying to clear his name.

I found myself applauding at the end.

June Havens'(Cameron Diaz) life turns upside down when she meets with secret agent Roy Miller(Tom Cruise) on her way to Boston. Roy is on the run and all the federal agents are after his life. Soon, they realize that the only way out for survival is to depend on each other. Amazing chases, rib smashing fight scenes with absolutely anything on the planet(fists, guns, knives, glasses, seat belts and what not),plenty of comedy and quite a chemistry between the leads.There is absolutely nothing in the world that Roy cannot do. (I feel Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz should make more movies together!) Although most of the action scenes seem a bit too implausible, Tom Cruise manages to pull it off with charisma. Cameron Diaz provides the right amount of laughs with her comic timing. All in all, an entertaining film, if you are looking for a movie with mindless action and some exotic scenery.

I mean this movie was never going to win any awards, but that doesn't mean it's not a hell of a good time. Cruise is at his charismatic best, and he shows off some genuine comedic chops. Diaz is a charming and funny co-star. This film is great because it feels light on its feet. It's fast-paced, funny, action packed, and doesn't get bogged down in weighty, manufactured drama or overly convoluted plotting. Knight and Day achieves what it set out to do, and that's why I like it.