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- Jamie Lee Curtis Excels as a Latent Asset in True Lies
- Schwarzenegger Shows a Steely Strength
As a seasoned movie critic with over two decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1994 masterpiece “True Lies” has left an indelible mark on my cinematic memory. Having witnessed the Austrian Oak flex his muscles in various roles ranging from the cold steel of a terminator to the warmheartedness of a kindergarten cop, I can confidently assert that this film showcases Arnold’s versatility at its finest.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has played a variety of roles throughout his movie career, ranging from action heroes like a terminator and alien hunter, to comedic characters such as a kindergarten cop and a frustrated dad in “Jingle All the Way.” His versatility is evident in films that blend action and comedy, and he’s amassed an impressive collection of movies over the years. However, it was in 1994 with the film “True Lies” that Arnold Schwarzenegger showcased his comedic skills and physical prowess in one of his best non-sci-fi films. And now, thanks to Tubi, you can watch “True Lies” for free online.
True Lies is a comedic action film that sees Schwarzenegger as a spy who finds his personal and professional life collide in a battle to prevent a terrorist from setting off nuclear arms. The film was written and directed by James Cameron (of Titanic, Aliens, and Avatar fame) and is based on the French film La Totale. True Lies is the third collaboration between the noted filmmaker and Schwarzenegger after their wildly successful pairing in the sci-fi films Terminator and Terminator 2. With a 76% fresh audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, True Lies is the highest-rated non-science fiction Schwarzenegger film on the website’s ratings and ranks #7 in a review of James Cameron’s films.
Jamie Lee Curtis Excels as a Latent Asset in True Lies
In True Lies, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Harry Tasker, a secret agent who pretends to be an ordinary computer salesman to his family. Upon returning home from a mission, he becomes suspicious of his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) having an affair with a man named Simon. Leveraging his agency’s resources to investigate the matter, both Harry and Helen end up uncovering secrets they never anticipated. As their lives become entwined in a terrorist plot seeking nuclear weapons, they embark on an exhilarating and suspenseful action-packed journey. The movie showcases the top-notch performances of both Schwarzenegger and Curtis, with Jamie Lee Curtis receiving a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Helen – a seemingly meek woman who craves adventure and seizes it when it presents itself.
In this movie, Curtis shines with her physical humor. As Helen, she skillfully portrays a mousey character that clashes with her desire to be a danger-chasing spy. As the story unfolds, her naivety and lack of knowledge about spying becomes more apparent, mirroring the audience’s experience. The film offers a chaotically enjoyable ride that reflects our journey as viewers. The chemistry between Harry (Schwarzenegger) and Helen (Curtis) is what makes this movie stand out, and both actors deliver compelling performances of their characters.
Schwarzenegger Shows a Steely Strength
In a shift from his typical action-packed roles, Arnold Schwarzenegger skillfully showcases his comedic and acting prowess in the lead role. His physical abilities have always been undeniable, but in this film, he convincingly takes on a more subtle character as a secret agent. He exudes control and poise, with a hint of steeliness that underscores his power. This role allows him to present a softer, more complex side of his acting range as the seasoned spy navigates the challenges of domestic turmoil. And true to form, Schwarzenegger delivers an impressive performance.
In addition, Harry exhibits a witty humor that adds humor during tense scenes. Tom Arnold plays Albert Gibson, Harry’s sarcastic buddy and coworker, who brings numerous hilarious moments to the film. However, the situational comedy in this movie also offers its own rewards. Harry’s outrageous and escalating efforts to capture the terrorist, Helen’s initial exploration of espionage, and a misunderstanding about a bridge are instances where character placement effectively triggers comedy. Although True Lies may lack some of Schwarzenegger’s characteristic flashiness, it skillfully contrasts the domestic disputes of a secret agent with the action on screen.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the groundbreaking impact of “True Lies” back in 1994. This was the first movie to break the $100 million barrier in production cost, an impressive feat indeed! The film, with its reported global earnings of $378 million, became one of the highest-grossing films that year.
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2024-09-09 01:31