The Truth About Charlie

Starring: Mark Walhberg, Thandie Newton, Tim Robbins
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Thriller
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After a woman (Thandie Newton) returns home to Paris, she finds her husband has been murdered and the murderers are after her, because they believe she knows where her husband hid millions of dollars that they believe belong to them. She is soon confronted by a government man (Tim Robbins) and a stranger (Mark Wahlberg) who seems too willing to help her out. Now, she must discover who is on her side and who just wants the money.

Review:

Tim: This is a remake of Charade, a film starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. I haven't seen that original film, but I doubt Wahlberg and Newton can compare to the older pair in the acting department.

Other than that, this is a decent enough thriller. The movie wraps itself around several questions, but namely, who is good and who is bad? Newton's character struggles to discover this for herself and she causes the audience to wonder as well. However, the film is really not too exciting. Its difficult to like any of the characters (especially Newton's, who comes off a little too perfect). I am a fan of Tim Robbins and I was very glad to see him in this role. I enjoyed him on screen better than anyone else, although he does have just a smaller role.

Despite its many flaws, the film does keep you guessing. There are some good scenes and some bad ones. The dance scene is absolutely ridiculous. Like all the main characters would be dancing and switching partners and talking. Awful. The only good part of that scene is that some song about "Deception" is being played, which is ironically appropriate. The end of the film is somewhat surprising as well, as everything becomes clear (well I had to watch twice to really understand). This is a decent film, but my god, there are better thrillers out there- and I bet Charade is one of them.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 5.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Charade, The Corruptor, The Shawshank Redemption,