Movie Review: “Body of Lies”

Okay, I should probably admit I going into this review that I am already a fan of many of the principles involved in this film. I thoroughly enjoy Ridley Scott as a director, and I tend to think Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the best actors of my generation, and despite his occasionally trouble causing personality I think very highly of Russell Crowe as a performer. So I went into this film a little bit biased and also on a bit of a spy movie kick. In the last week or so, I have also screen “The Good Shepard” and “Syriana”. So CIA flicks are the hot thing with me right now.

Anywho, I found this movie to be fun and entertaining. Not overly action filled like other Scott movies but also not a methodically plodder like “Shepard” and “Syriana”. I found the plot for the most part believable and the acting to be very good as well. DiCaprio again brings the signature intensity to his role that has become a hallmark of his acting, and Crowe falls right into the character of a schleppy CIA spymaster with a nice southern accent. The supporting cast keeps thing believable and moving especially thanks to a great performance by Mark Strong as the Jordanian Head of Intelligence, although his costuming in this movie kept me thinking of Andy Garcia’s character in the Ocean’s 11 movies.

The movie is not an over ambitious action flick, nor a highly detailed spy thriller but a good mix that makes for an enjoyable movie overall, I recommend it.