8/10: Classic Hollywood action meets deep cinematography.

8/10

Recommended, 1 star is to encourage these types of movies that partially break the mold to be made.

In short:
Knight and Day (2010) made in a decently realistic manner. Classic action in a new shape and with some realism and more thought to it.

In long:
The plotline is well written and even if there are a few logical errors there is none that can't be logically compensated for.
Annabelle Wallis plays the passive lead with Aaron Paul taking the front. There is an inability to keep up acting wise, partially that works in favour of the characters as Wallis does a somewhat good interpretation (but her character is too well hidden to be prominent which causes her role to suffer) as Paul captures the depth well with only less than a handful of weaker points throughout the whole movie. Garret Dillahunt is perfectly casted in the role he plays and it shows.

The story evolves with shifts in day and night with twilight as a clear backdrop to the plotline (clearly linked). Much like Mikra Anglia (2013) uses the sea - that gives some depth here even though here it isn't as skillfully applied. That connection used seems to be to the stance of the character within the plot (when all hope seems lost it's pitch black, when clues are found it's mid day with bright sun), -it does emphasize the plotline but for me this isn't a deep enough movie to make that come alive. Yes, there is clear lines of love, trust and belief shifting the life of a person (love overcomes all) but that has been done a "few" times (the mood given is reminiscent of Winter's Tale 2014). This is more like a Hollywood'esque version of Mikra Anglia (which is a slow piece) in an action format, if you see the greek movie first it could strongly impact your viewing experience.
The development of the plot is the big plus, with Paul's acting which is ace. Garret Dillahunt is also seeworthy and should be able to exspect some typecasted roles after this (rightly so).

This movie picks up on several successfull trails and gives off a mood not often seen in mainstream movies from USA. Movies that have successfully done so in a larger extent can be found in Night on earth (1991) - Winona Ryders story, Ghost Dog (1999) or Brother (2000) which comes to mind. Lower budget movies have used this more frequently and can be found in a lot of newer movies which skillfully focuses on the story.


Pro's
• Acting
• Twilight
• Gender roles
• Cinematography
• Imperfection (not everything works out all the time)

Con's
• Minor logical errors
• Whoever was consulted for firefights etc did not ace it.
• It's Hollywood'esque at a few times (not many)


End notes:
This movie breaks new ground in mainstream, not only do we get to follow the second lead as main lead but it implements feature used more in lower budgeted productions (though not perfectly) that makes an impact on the cineamtography throughout.

There are also two things that this movie is lacking, higher high's and more low's from the "hidden" lead and a better martial arts coordinator or consultant regarding firefights - some of it seems more like a dryrun before the real action is to be shot at real speed.

[EDIT] Spelling.

Ignorance is only a bliss if you haven't reached awareness.
My imdb posts are getting altered.