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.
482 Reviews
I liked that this movie established character development.
anna-101-42277211 July 2011
"Knight and Day" revolves around Cameron Diaz, who is boarding a plane to see her sister April get married. At first, she is forbidden to board the plane, but then the flight attendant finds a seat for her. And guess who Diaz sits next to? The inevitable Tom Cruise. After having a little "talk" with the pilot, the passengers, and the flight attendant, him and Diaz seek out to hunt down the antagonists, one which is played by Peter Sarsgaard. Although, Cruise warns Diaz that the bad guys will say that they are the "FBI" and will pretend she's in a safe place. However, through further investigation, Diaz may think that Cruise is unto something. In the meantime, the bad guys are looking for the battery and are not too thrilled about who holds its possession.
First, let's get to the positives. First off, I liked that this movie established character development. Most action/comedy films fail to fully flesh out are leads and then we aren't registered with them. 3:10 to Yuma director makes us care about these characters, and when put in a tough situation, we just hope the best. Second of all, I thought the script was great. I thought this movie had some really funny one-liners and the film had great comic timing. It couldn't have been better. Thirdly, I thought that the performances were great. All the characters did their job and even stood out, especially Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise. Diaz and Cruise also had wonderful chemistry and their relationship never felt forced or phony. It came out as very authentic rather than artificial and syrupy. Moreover, I thought the film's pacing was excellent. The film is shy of two hours, yet feels like half of that. After the film was over, I thought there would be at least another hour added. Furthermore, I thought the action was awesome. It definitely delivered and this is the best action I've seen in a long time. And lastly, the cinematography was just amazing. I loved the scenery and great production values I must add.
There are very minimal flaws with this movie. However, there are some. First of all, I know this film is intentionally nonsensical, but some scenes went so over-the-top, that when it occasionally was meant to be serious, it came off as cheesy or laugh worthy, fortunately, like I said, occasionally. Second of all, I enjoyed this movie so much that I just wish it were longer.
Overall, "Knight and Day" is a great film because of its fresh script, great performances, amazing action, great comic timing, breathtaking cinematography, and a fascinating direction. And for the first time, it's actually not mindless! If you keep your brain on, you'll still thoroughly enjoy it. If you were disappointed by "Killers", don't worry, so was I, because you will still like this movie. Shoot, I enjoyed it so much I think it's even better than "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" which I liked. "Knight and Day" is one of those rare movies that just works on every level and is one of those rare movies that is worth full admission. See it at night with a large crowd, with a big bucket of popcorn, and a drink, and you'll have a blast. I enjoyed the movie so much that I wanted it to last from "Knight" to "Day". It comes highly recommended.
First, let's get to the positives. First off, I liked that this movie established character development. Most action/comedy films fail to fully flesh out are leads and then we aren't registered with them. 3:10 to Yuma director makes us care about these characters, and when put in a tough situation, we just hope the best. Second of all, I thought the script was great. I thought this movie had some really funny one-liners and the film had great comic timing. It couldn't have been better. Thirdly, I thought that the performances were great. All the characters did their job and even stood out, especially Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise. Diaz and Cruise also had wonderful chemistry and their relationship never felt forced or phony. It came out as very authentic rather than artificial and syrupy. Moreover, I thought the film's pacing was excellent. The film is shy of two hours, yet feels like half of that. After the film was over, I thought there would be at least another hour added. Furthermore, I thought the action was awesome. It definitely delivered and this is the best action I've seen in a long time. And lastly, the cinematography was just amazing. I loved the scenery and great production values I must add.
There are very minimal flaws with this movie. However, there are some. First of all, I know this film is intentionally nonsensical, but some scenes went so over-the-top, that when it occasionally was meant to be serious, it came off as cheesy or laugh worthy, fortunately, like I said, occasionally. Second of all, I enjoyed this movie so much that I just wish it were longer.
Overall, "Knight and Day" is a great film because of its fresh script, great performances, amazing action, great comic timing, breathtaking cinematography, and a fascinating direction. And for the first time, it's actually not mindless! If you keep your brain on, you'll still thoroughly enjoy it. If you were disappointed by "Killers", don't worry, so was I, because you will still like this movie. Shoot, I enjoyed it so much I think it's even better than "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" which I liked. "Knight and Day" is one of those rare movies that just works on every level and is one of those rare movies that is worth full admission. See it at night with a large crowd, with a big bucket of popcorn, and a drink, and you'll have a blast. I enjoyed the movie so much that I wanted it to last from "Knight" to "Day". It comes highly recommended.
Not great, but solid fun
ungy35717 June 2010
Knight and Day" is a comfort food movie. It's a pleasant diversion, a fun time at the cinema that doesn't ask a lot of of it's audience and offers an enjoyable ride. We've seen it all before, but it worked pretty well then, and it works pretty well now.
June Havens (Cameron Diaz) is an average perky blonde romantic comedy heroine who runs into the charming and mysterious Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) at the airport, and is sucked into a series of misadventures when Roy turns out to be a secret agent fighting rogue elements in his own agency . . . or maybe HE's the rogue agent . . . It depends on who she listens to. there's a mysterious device called the Zephyr that Roy is either protecting or trying to steal. All of this is fairly predictable, and, again, nothing new. But director James Mangold ("Copland", "Walk the Line", "3:10 to Yuma") always knows how to make a film play, and his skills haven't deserted him here. His pacing is brisk and fun, and he stages some terrific action (including one sequence from Diaz' point of view that did feel genuinely new).
Of course, this is a star vehicle, and whether you enjoy it will depend a lot on how you feel about Tom Cruise. Dismissing his personal life as utterly irrelevant, I find him to be a solid and dependable actor who does action better than almost anyone in Hollywood. And, here, he gets a rare chance to flex his comic muscles, and hie's quite funny (though too much of the best material is in the trailer). Diaz is pleasant, but tries a little too hard to be cute. And, occasionally, the film itself has the same problem.
But, overall, it's a funny little spy movie. part adventure, part romcom. Not destined for any Ten Best Lists, but enjoyable summer entertainment.
June Havens (Cameron Diaz) is an average perky blonde romantic comedy heroine who runs into the charming and mysterious Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) at the airport, and is sucked into a series of misadventures when Roy turns out to be a secret agent fighting rogue elements in his own agency . . . or maybe HE's the rogue agent . . . It depends on who she listens to. there's a mysterious device called the Zephyr that Roy is either protecting or trying to steal. All of this is fairly predictable, and, again, nothing new. But director James Mangold ("Copland", "Walk the Line", "3:10 to Yuma") always knows how to make a film play, and his skills haven't deserted him here. His pacing is brisk and fun, and he stages some terrific action (including one sequence from Diaz' point of view that did feel genuinely new).
Of course, this is a star vehicle, and whether you enjoy it will depend a lot on how you feel about Tom Cruise. Dismissing his personal life as utterly irrelevant, I find him to be a solid and dependable actor who does action better than almost anyone in Hollywood. And, here, he gets a rare chance to flex his comic muscles, and hie's quite funny (though too much of the best material is in the trailer). Diaz is pleasant, but tries a little too hard to be cute. And, occasionally, the film itself has the same problem.
But, overall, it's a funny little spy movie. part adventure, part romcom. Not destined for any Ten Best Lists, but enjoyable summer entertainment.
Really Like This Film!
m196522 November 2014
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!
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!
Fluffy Action Comedy with Appealing Cast
dglink18 December 2014
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.
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.
Good comedy with great delivery of lines
salterbach22 June 2010
I saw "Knight and Day" tonight at an advanced screening. I really liked it. For me, I considered it more of a comedy, rather than a thriller. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have great chemistry, and did wonderful line deliveries of several running jokes. Their facial expressions, non-verbal actions, and then their unique line delivery - just made everything fit together into a delightful comedy. You will enjoy yourself and laugh out loud. Tom Cruise does a great job of reminding us why we like him as a performer and actor. (Recently, I think too many of us have been side-tracked by his off-camera non-PC comments and antics; so it's good to get back to the basics, that he really is a wonderful actor.) Cameron Diaz is funny, warm,beautiful, and spunky. I loved the way these two actors interacted with each other. Well done. I know another reviewer here kept dropping "Oscar award winning" several times - but for myself, I would not go that far. I don't think this has the emotional depth that you'd think of for an Oscar; but nevertheless, I think this is a delightful funny movie that will make you laugh and enjoy an evening out. I recommend this movie. You will feel good.
A collage of mayhem, action, flaws, and charm, Knight and Day is saved by the leads and unique summer freshness
diac22823 June 2010
Jump-starting the Mysterious Plot Summer Season (Knight and Day, Salt, Inception, Piranha 3-D), Knight and Day is quite an interesting thrill ride that's very fresh in the midst of a summer season with very little originality. With the two leads delivering charismatic, fun, and great performances, this movie is propelled by star power, intrigue, and never allowing the audience to be one step ahead of the flick. The twists and turns may have been a little unnerving, and the movie does suffer from being quite vague at times, the overall package is a fun one. Unlike most summer clunkers (there was some robot movie last year that was dismally pathetic, if only I remember the name) this one is forgivable for its flaws because of its style, loose direction, and freshness.
Without revealing too much (trust me, predicting the movie from the trailer will do you no good), Knight and Day follows a secret agent (Tom Cruise) that accidentally involves a bystander (Cameron Diaz) in the middle of a crazy fight spanning multiple agencies and multiple countries. Written by Patrick O'Neal, this script is very unique, very refreshing, and at times quite off-the-wall. The story moves very fast, but has time for some character development and character revelations—even if they become little blurbs here and there. The only issue is that characters are revealed in such quick and awkward manners, but it might be more an editing issue rather than a writing issue.
Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise were perfect for their leading roles here. Cameron Diaz has an undeniable charm that has made her not only a major box office draw over the years, but one of the few actresses that can carry any movie past mediocrity. At the same time, Tom Cruise also has the ability to propel movies with his impeccable charm and subtle timing. So, naturally, with these two together, movie magic is accomplished. Just like in Vanilla Sky (even if the editing and obscurity allowed the movie to collapse), Knight and Day is jump-started and propelled by Diaz and Cruise acting together. Their comic timing is great, and can still deliver the emotions when you need them to. Everyone else did a respectable job, but they consisted of dozens of small roles.
The movie however suffers from one major flaw: potential. This movie could have been something very special if it had been given a little more love, a bit more budget, and better editing. James Mangold is heavily varied in his directing resume (Cop Land, Walk the Line, Identity, 3:10 to Yuma) so he has the ability to run an action film (unlike the indie-director of the last James Bond flick). But, the movie does this mildly irritating thing in which it sets up potential action sequences, but skips them entirely. While the movie does offer plenty of action, this irritating directing/editing blunder was done at least three times. The fact that it could have done so much more doesn't distract from the overall quality, but does unveil its potential. With a budget of over $120 million, Knight and Day looks like an action movie that was running out of cash.
The action that we do get to see is plentiful, and fun. Plausibility and realism takes a timeout as we get insane chases, dozens of explosions, and plenty of fights. There is very little slowdown, very little time for the audience to breathe. The CGI is sometimes a bit much, but doesn't distract too much from the movie. Adding to the mayhem is the dozens of plot twists and turns, which range from small, to changing the flick entirely. Unfortunately, it seems like it was edited by someone with a samurai sword and too much sugar in his blood.
Bottom Line: While it could have been so much more, and could have really been something truly special, Knight and Day is still an admirable movie thanks to its leads---even if age is starting to catch up to them. With a crazy script edited in a crazy manner, this movie is far from your average summer movie, and is a mildly refreshing visual trip around the world. No sequel or remake connections here, as the plot is unique, even if the action is your usual CGI-heavy fare. The directing, editing, and content choices however keep it from truly hitting the big leagues. But if you want something different and sequel-free to watch this summer (without screaming for mercy as the movie continues), then Knight and Day is your flick. Unique concept, unique movie, unique flaws.
Without revealing too much (trust me, predicting the movie from the trailer will do you no good), Knight and Day follows a secret agent (Tom Cruise) that accidentally involves a bystander (Cameron Diaz) in the middle of a crazy fight spanning multiple agencies and multiple countries. Written by Patrick O'Neal, this script is very unique, very refreshing, and at times quite off-the-wall. The story moves very fast, but has time for some character development and character revelations—even if they become little blurbs here and there. The only issue is that characters are revealed in such quick and awkward manners, but it might be more an editing issue rather than a writing issue.
Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise were perfect for their leading roles here. Cameron Diaz has an undeniable charm that has made her not only a major box office draw over the years, but one of the few actresses that can carry any movie past mediocrity. At the same time, Tom Cruise also has the ability to propel movies with his impeccable charm and subtle timing. So, naturally, with these two together, movie magic is accomplished. Just like in Vanilla Sky (even if the editing and obscurity allowed the movie to collapse), Knight and Day is jump-started and propelled by Diaz and Cruise acting together. Their comic timing is great, and can still deliver the emotions when you need them to. Everyone else did a respectable job, but they consisted of dozens of small roles.
The movie however suffers from one major flaw: potential. This movie could have been something very special if it had been given a little more love, a bit more budget, and better editing. James Mangold is heavily varied in his directing resume (Cop Land, Walk the Line, Identity, 3:10 to Yuma) so he has the ability to run an action film (unlike the indie-director of the last James Bond flick). But, the movie does this mildly irritating thing in which it sets up potential action sequences, but skips them entirely. While the movie does offer plenty of action, this irritating directing/editing blunder was done at least three times. The fact that it could have done so much more doesn't distract from the overall quality, but does unveil its potential. With a budget of over $120 million, Knight and Day looks like an action movie that was running out of cash.
The action that we do get to see is plentiful, and fun. Plausibility and realism takes a timeout as we get insane chases, dozens of explosions, and plenty of fights. There is very little slowdown, very little time for the audience to breathe. The CGI is sometimes a bit much, but doesn't distract too much from the movie. Adding to the mayhem is the dozens of plot twists and turns, which range from small, to changing the flick entirely. Unfortunately, it seems like it was edited by someone with a samurai sword and too much sugar in his blood.
Bottom Line: While it could have been so much more, and could have really been something truly special, Knight and Day is still an admirable movie thanks to its leads---even if age is starting to catch up to them. With a crazy script edited in a crazy manner, this movie is far from your average summer movie, and is a mildly refreshing visual trip around the world. No sequel or remake connections here, as the plot is unique, even if the action is your usual CGI-heavy fare. The directing, editing, and content choices however keep it from truly hitting the big leagues. But if you want something different and sequel-free to watch this summer (without screaming for mercy as the movie continues), then Knight and Day is your flick. Unique concept, unique movie, unique flaws.
"I shot the first pilot then he accidentally shot the second pilot. It's just one of those things"
Smells_Like_Cheese24 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
As you know from my reviews, I hate romantic comedies. Especially PG-13 one's that refuse to take any risks what-so-ever and are so family friendly that it becomes ridicules. But when I see stronger performers like Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, I have a little more faith. Now granted, not the best actors of our time, but I'd rather see them than Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. So I wanted to give this movie a very fair chance and over all as predictable and stupid as it was, I still had a good time watching it. There were some really stupid moments, but if something is funny, why not laugh? Tom Cruise is great at playing this smooth killer agent and Cameron Diaz was also good as the naive bystander who just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when she meets him. What makes this film work in my opinion is the chemistry between Cruise and Diaz, they have worked together before in Vanilla Sky. I thought they were pretty decent together then and now they're showing that they can really work together well in a film. They made this stupid story work.
Roy Miller and June Havens bump into each other twice at the airport. Completely taken with Miller, Havens goes to the restroom; and the remaining passengers all attack Roy, he calmly informs June that everyone on the plane is dead, including the pilots. Believing it a joke, Junr plays along until Roy enters the cockpit. Crashing into a corn field, Miller delivers Havens home after drugging her and explaining that other agents will visit and that they are planning to kill or imprison her. The next day June is picked up by a group of intelligence agents. Roy arrives and, through a long gunfight on the highway, kills several agents and saves June. Roy explains that June is safer with him; and she agrees to follow him as they go to pick up Simon Feck, a genius inventor who created a perpetual energy battery called the Zephyr. As it turns out that Roy is being framed by his former partner saying that he will sell the Zephyr to terrorists. But June must figure out who she can trust in this crazy situation.
While the story is beyond predictable and we have to have a lot of suspension in disbelief with it as well, I think it's something you can enjoy if you just let go and have a good time. I hate saying this as you know how I feel about this genre of romantic comedy. But it's one of those movies you could get a very good chuckle out of. I loved the scene where Cameron is taken by the FBI for the first time and she gets into a nasty car chase as people are shooting at her and Cruise just lands on top of her car like it's something he does every day and just talks to her calmly. Also the scene between her, her ex boyfriend and Cruise in the diner was very funny. Like I said, it's the actors that make this lousy story work, even if the characters are under developed. I think this movie is an example of mindless fun, so just let go and have fun with this one.
6/10
Roy Miller and June Havens bump into each other twice at the airport. Completely taken with Miller, Havens goes to the restroom; and the remaining passengers all attack Roy, he calmly informs June that everyone on the plane is dead, including the pilots. Believing it a joke, Junr plays along until Roy enters the cockpit. Crashing into a corn field, Miller delivers Havens home after drugging her and explaining that other agents will visit and that they are planning to kill or imprison her. The next day June is picked up by a group of intelligence agents. Roy arrives and, through a long gunfight on the highway, kills several agents and saves June. Roy explains that June is safer with him; and she agrees to follow him as they go to pick up Simon Feck, a genius inventor who created a perpetual energy battery called the Zephyr. As it turns out that Roy is being framed by his former partner saying that he will sell the Zephyr to terrorists. But June must figure out who she can trust in this crazy situation.
While the story is beyond predictable and we have to have a lot of suspension in disbelief with it as well, I think it's something you can enjoy if you just let go and have a good time. I hate saying this as you know how I feel about this genre of romantic comedy. But it's one of those movies you could get a very good chuckle out of. I loved the scene where Cameron is taken by the FBI for the first time and she gets into a nasty car chase as people are shooting at her and Cruise just lands on top of her car like it's something he does every day and just talks to her calmly. Also the scene between her, her ex boyfriend and Cruise in the diner was very funny. Like I said, it's the actors that make this lousy story work, even if the characters are under developed. I think this movie is an example of mindless fun, so just let go and have fun with this one.
6/10
Worth watching
carlin6580-679-39612320 July 2014
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.
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.
Mission preposterous -- but it's fun
Chris Knipp23 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
People will cast around for comparisons to explain what 'Knight and Day' copies most. Is it Brad and Angelina in Mr. and Mrs. Smith? Not really, but certainly dozens of sources have been gleefully plundered. A close comparison is early 'Bourne,' with Diaz's Franka Potente to Cruise's Matt Damon, but with the humor, braggadocio, and indifference to logic of the original James Bond stories.
This couple in adversity, like the 'Bourne' one, is a linkage that comes about seemingly by accident when Joan Havens (Diaz) happens to wind up on a nearly empty plane to Kansas City that Roy Miller (Cruise) hijacks, after its crew tries to kill him. Miller is a CIA man, or a former one. He's gone rogue, or so some say. He's also in possession of some kind of inexhaustible energy source MacGuffin thingie created by a brilliant teenager nerd pal of his called Simon Feck (Paul Dano). Naturally everybody wants to get hold of this thingie, and later of young Simon. Sarsgaard is a CIA agent called Fitzgerald who's chasing Roy, and his boss is a black lady called Isabel (Viola Davis). Joan, who rebuilds classic American cars, is on her way to her sister's wedding. The greatest tribute to Roy's skill and a sign of his attention to the human side of things is that he gets her to the wedding, after a few car explosions and chases and dozens of dead bodies. Roy has two main ways of relating to people. He kisses them or he kills them. There isn't time for much else. Cruise carries this off with panache. Diaz is equal to the demands of her role: ditsy -- but glamorous and sexy -- blonde who's also a Charlie's Angel.
When the stuff happens on the plane at the beginning, it's not remotely believable. It isn't meant to be. How believable is any blockbuster action? How believable is anything anywhere? 'Knight and Day' establishes right away (watch how the plane rocks when there's turbulence) that this is a garish, over-the-top comedy. The ridiculous opening sequence clearly establishes that this is an outrageous comedy -- and a romance -- as much as it's an actioner. The filmmakers are simply betting that the vivacity of the action and the charm of the stars will get you involved and that involvement will grow rather than diminish as the story progresses. The action is preposterous, but the protagonists are in trouble, so you forget it's silly and start to worry -- but you don't forget to laugh, and you're meant to. The movie manages to ramp up all three aspects and keep the cocktail stirred. This is a shameless effort to appeal simultaneously to three different genre demographics: Comedy, Action, Romance. And it just may succeed.
Is this Ron Miller (Tom Cruise) a man on a crucial mission -- or an out-of-control nut case? This is the question this movie poses, and this is a role that both Cruise's friends and his enemies may find appropriate. . . But to stick with this movie and enjoy its wild action-romance-comedy ride, you need to set aside any feelings the actor's couch-jumping antics may have awakened and focus on the great movies he has been in, observe how well he and ace comedienne Cameron Diaz work together, and there's entertainment to be had here.
'Knight and Day' is completely empty and pointless, but also quite a lot of fun. It's too long (like so many of the new pictures), and contains such a rich, indigestible mélange of action stuff -- somersaulting cars exploding on highways, shootouts, chases, fires -- and such lush locations, including Pamplona at bull run time, picturesque Austrian towns, Langley, and the Orient Express, you feel overfed. But then you walk out and it's all, pleasantly, forgotten, except for Tom Cruise's manic smile and Cameron Diaz's look of wide-eyed astonishment, which are enough to take home from a summer blockbuster in a season when one of the NY Times' lead critics praises Jonah Hex and Pixar's strung-out third installment of Toy Story is hailed as a masterpiece.
Empty of solid content though it may be, 'Knight and Day' succeeds, for one thing, because it does something woefully lacking in today's blockbusters -- alternates the heavy action with quiet times. Here, they're usually romantic pauses, in which the lady (Diaz) changes into something more comfortable. Joe Carnahan, who has a sense of humor and knows his way around tough-guy scenes, should have kept this in mind when he made 'The A-Team,' a movie that never lets up and consequently leaves you just feeling weary. You remember nothing but Liam Neeson puffing on cigars in a movie he should never have been in. 'Knight and Day' has sense enough to give its leads appropriate roles and let you catch your breath every now and then.
In development, this movie went through various titles; the one it landed with, 'Knight and Day,' only makes sense at the end and even then won't hit you over the head with its logic. 'K & D' also went through many writers -- at least nine. Considering that, it's a tribute to director and cast that the whole thing hangs together as well as it does and the different sequences don't just feel like pieces in a disassembled puzzle.
Tom Cruise's character is invincible and his accidental partner, Joan, tends to get overexcited or lose her ability to cope with the gangs of assassins, the 90-mile-an-hour car chases, and the explosions and Roy resorts to drugging her so he can whisk them both safely away. From being scared and dubious, Joan begins to have more and more confidence in Roy and as this turns to attraction she shows startling abilities of her own: "you've got skills," Roy tells her. Indeed. And however preposterous, so does 'Knight and Day.'
This couple in adversity, like the 'Bourne' one, is a linkage that comes about seemingly by accident when Joan Havens (Diaz) happens to wind up on a nearly empty plane to Kansas City that Roy Miller (Cruise) hijacks, after its crew tries to kill him. Miller is a CIA man, or a former one. He's gone rogue, or so some say. He's also in possession of some kind of inexhaustible energy source MacGuffin thingie created by a brilliant teenager nerd pal of his called Simon Feck (Paul Dano). Naturally everybody wants to get hold of this thingie, and later of young Simon. Sarsgaard is a CIA agent called Fitzgerald who's chasing Roy, and his boss is a black lady called Isabel (Viola Davis). Joan, who rebuilds classic American cars, is on her way to her sister's wedding. The greatest tribute to Roy's skill and a sign of his attention to the human side of things is that he gets her to the wedding, after a few car explosions and chases and dozens of dead bodies. Roy has two main ways of relating to people. He kisses them or he kills them. There isn't time for much else. Cruise carries this off with panache. Diaz is equal to the demands of her role: ditsy -- but glamorous and sexy -- blonde who's also a Charlie's Angel.
When the stuff happens on the plane at the beginning, it's not remotely believable. It isn't meant to be. How believable is any blockbuster action? How believable is anything anywhere? 'Knight and Day' establishes right away (watch how the plane rocks when there's turbulence) that this is a garish, over-the-top comedy. The ridiculous opening sequence clearly establishes that this is an outrageous comedy -- and a romance -- as much as it's an actioner. The filmmakers are simply betting that the vivacity of the action and the charm of the stars will get you involved and that involvement will grow rather than diminish as the story progresses. The action is preposterous, but the protagonists are in trouble, so you forget it's silly and start to worry -- but you don't forget to laugh, and you're meant to. The movie manages to ramp up all three aspects and keep the cocktail stirred. This is a shameless effort to appeal simultaneously to three different genre demographics: Comedy, Action, Romance. And it just may succeed.
Is this Ron Miller (Tom Cruise) a man on a crucial mission -- or an out-of-control nut case? This is the question this movie poses, and this is a role that both Cruise's friends and his enemies may find appropriate. . . But to stick with this movie and enjoy its wild action-romance-comedy ride, you need to set aside any feelings the actor's couch-jumping antics may have awakened and focus on the great movies he has been in, observe how well he and ace comedienne Cameron Diaz work together, and there's entertainment to be had here.
'Knight and Day' is completely empty and pointless, but also quite a lot of fun. It's too long (like so many of the new pictures), and contains such a rich, indigestible mélange of action stuff -- somersaulting cars exploding on highways, shootouts, chases, fires -- and such lush locations, including Pamplona at bull run time, picturesque Austrian towns, Langley, and the Orient Express, you feel overfed. But then you walk out and it's all, pleasantly, forgotten, except for Tom Cruise's manic smile and Cameron Diaz's look of wide-eyed astonishment, which are enough to take home from a summer blockbuster in a season when one of the NY Times' lead critics praises Jonah Hex and Pixar's strung-out third installment of Toy Story is hailed as a masterpiece.
Empty of solid content though it may be, 'Knight and Day' succeeds, for one thing, because it does something woefully lacking in today's blockbusters -- alternates the heavy action with quiet times. Here, they're usually romantic pauses, in which the lady (Diaz) changes into something more comfortable. Joe Carnahan, who has a sense of humor and knows his way around tough-guy scenes, should have kept this in mind when he made 'The A-Team,' a movie that never lets up and consequently leaves you just feeling weary. You remember nothing but Liam Neeson puffing on cigars in a movie he should never have been in. 'Knight and Day' has sense enough to give its leads appropriate roles and let you catch your breath every now and then.
In development, this movie went through various titles; the one it landed with, 'Knight and Day,' only makes sense at the end and even then won't hit you over the head with its logic. 'K & D' also went through many writers -- at least nine. Considering that, it's a tribute to director and cast that the whole thing hangs together as well as it does and the different sequences don't just feel like pieces in a disassembled puzzle.
Tom Cruise's character is invincible and his accidental partner, Joan, tends to get overexcited or lose her ability to cope with the gangs of assassins, the 90-mile-an-hour car chases, and the explosions and Roy resorts to drugging her so he can whisk them both safely away. From being scared and dubious, Joan begins to have more and more confidence in Roy and as this turns to attraction she shows startling abilities of her own: "you've got skills," Roy tells her. Indeed. And however preposterous, so does 'Knight and Day.'
Safety, Security, Stupidity
ferguson-628 June 2010
Greetings again from the darkness. I really liked director James Mangold's two most recent films - Walk the Line, and 3:10 to Yuma. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz both have great smiles and look really good in swim attire. Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood, Little Miss Sunshine) is well cast as an off-center nerdy scientist. That's the end of all the positive comments I have for this film.
The negative comments are for just about everything else in this summer "blockbuster". It is billed as an Action-Comedy. There is plenty of action, though much of it is so far-fetched and ridiculous. There is almost no comedy. The rapid fire banter between Cruise and Diaz would have been much more effective had it been well written.
A quality action movie needs a real force coming from the bad guy. Here, the filmmakers instead provide us with a "is he a good guy or a bad guy" story line with Cruise. Anyone surprised at the real answer? Because of that, we don't have anyone to root against. Some generic Spainish arms dealer played by Jordi Molla (Blow) and the government agent played generically by Peter Saarsgard. Generic is not a word you want associated with your movie.
This is Cruise and Diaz together for the first time since the far-superior Vanilla Sky. They both deserve better than this slop, though I feel confident they had a good time with the globe-trotting to Spain, Austria, Jamaica and a few U.S. stops in between. The fun they had filming did not translate into fun for me as a viewer. In fact, as they were driving away, I kept hoping for an ending like Thelma and Louise.
The negative comments are for just about everything else in this summer "blockbuster". It is billed as an Action-Comedy. There is plenty of action, though much of it is so far-fetched and ridiculous. There is almost no comedy. The rapid fire banter between Cruise and Diaz would have been much more effective had it been well written.
A quality action movie needs a real force coming from the bad guy. Here, the filmmakers instead provide us with a "is he a good guy or a bad guy" story line with Cruise. Anyone surprised at the real answer? Because of that, we don't have anyone to root against. Some generic Spainish arms dealer played by Jordi Molla (Blow) and the government agent played generically by Peter Saarsgard. Generic is not a word you want associated with your movie.
This is Cruise and Diaz together for the first time since the far-superior Vanilla Sky. They both deserve better than this slop, though I feel confident they had a good time with the globe-trotting to Spain, Austria, Jamaica and a few U.S. stops in between. The fun they had filming did not translate into fun for me as a viewer. In fact, as they were driving away, I kept hoping for an ending like Thelma and Louise.
Very entertaining
melanie-pansy20 October 2014
This movie was very entertaining. It was a fun, action-packed romantic comedy. It did not do well at the box office domestically because U.S film critics were harsh, but it performed superbly in the international market. International films fans understood to not take it too seriously. Both Tom and Cameron performed well in their roles. They had some adorably funny lines to deliver. Regardless of what is in the gossip columns on these actors, they are good, great actors depending on the roles and scripts they are given. If you want to see a nice escape from reality type movie, watch this one. About 2 weeks after I purchased the three disc combo, I enjoyed the extended version as well. I appreciate that Amazon was offering that bonus, and it's a great way for them to introduce their Video On Demand services.
What were they thinking!!!
AncientWays26 June 2010
I can't imagine how this got past the studio bosses, or who took a look at the finished screenplay (after all the rewrites and different writers) and said "This is great!
Tired spy story remake, bad plot with huge holes in it; the title is never even explained. Terrible "witty" dialogue that no one would say in real life, and a body count in the hundreds.
However the main, huge, turnoff for me was the "running joke" of the Diaz character being drugged, undressed and dressed, to wake up in another country because "she wasn't handling" the carnage well. Drugging and dragging an unconscious woman without her permission and consent across borders is not "romantic", it's human trafficking. It just makes Tom Cruise and his movie character more creepy.
As for the rest, imagine a joke told by someone with no sense of humor, and romance between two cardboard figures. For those who like such things, there are lots of gunshots, dead bodies and explosions.
Tired spy story remake, bad plot with huge holes in it; the title is never even explained. Terrible "witty" dialogue that no one would say in real life, and a body count in the hundreds.
However the main, huge, turnoff for me was the "running joke" of the Diaz character being drugged, undressed and dressed, to wake up in another country because "she wasn't handling" the carnage well. Drugging and dragging an unconscious woman without her permission and consent across borders is not "romantic", it's human trafficking. It just makes Tom Cruise and his movie character more creepy.
As for the rest, imagine a joke told by someone with no sense of humor, and romance between two cardboard figures. For those who like such things, there are lots of gunshots, dead bodies and explosions.
Enjoyable
jjhoops713 November 2021
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.
Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise have a blast in the nonsensical "Knight and Day"
ScottDMenzel15 December 2010
"Knight and Day" tells the story of June Havens (Cameron Diaz) a woman who is just trying to get home for her sisters wedding. When June arrives to the airport, a man named Roy (Tom Cruise) bumps into her. What seems like an innocent accident turns into something more as Roy tries to keep June from boarding her flight home. When he fails from keeping June from boarding the plane is where the fun begins. While June heads to the airplane bathroom to powder her nose, we find out that the entire plane is full of armed men wanting to arrest and/or kill Roy. Roy takes out the armed men and now warns June that there was a reason he didn't want her to board the plane. Now, Roy and June must join forces and work together to protect a new invention that's so big that even the FBI wants a part of the action. A nonsensical but action packed and fun movie ensues...
Within the first 20 minutes of "Knight and Day" I knew why people hated this movie. First off, it makes very little sense and its really out there. Don't get me wrong, this is a really fun movie but don't expect to "get" it because it doesn't make any sense. The action sequences are over the top, Diaz and Cruise look like they are having a blast the entire time, and the movie is somehow interesting despite the plot making no sense. It's a brainless summer movie with some dark humor tossed into the mix. Not what you would expect from the normal Tom Cruise action flick and therefore why people didn't enjoy it that much.
While there are a lot of names in this film, Cruise and Diaz are the main stars and everyone else seems virtually unimportant. Cruise does a great job on this film with playing a wacky FBI rogue agent. He really uses his action star skills along with his comedic skills in this flick. Diaz, besides coming off as a brainless ditz, is fun to watch on screen. She really plays the clueless role in the film well and looks like she is having a ton of fun while doing it. I enjoyed watching her and Cruise because they have some really solid chemistry and know how to play off one another. The supporting cast consists of pretty solid actors although they are underused including Peter Sarsgaard and Viola Davis.
The screenplay for "Knight and Day" was written by Patrick O'Neill, who hasn't written much besides a television series called "Dead Last." The script didn't lack action nor did it lack comedy, however, it did lack common sense. This movie made no sense and I really had a ton of plot holes. If you watch the movie you will wonder how can they get all these places so fast? How can they avoid being shot so many times? How is there no one flying this plane? How does Cruise jump from car to car when they are going 75 miles an hour? Those are just a few of the questions I have with the film. I also have questions about the plot, which has to do with a high school drop out who invented a top secret energy source that is the size of a battery. Why do so many people know about this? Why is it so valuable? And there are plenty more questions but hey this truly puts the title of mindless action flick to good use.
The oddest thing about the film to me was that it was directed by James Mangold. For those who aren't familiar with the name, he is the man who directed "Walk the Line," the western remake "3:10 to Yuma," and the intelligent and underrated thriller "Identity." This movie just seemed like a odd choice for Mangold because he usually does dramas with some light action mixed in. This film was an action comedy and definitely not something Mangold has a lot of experience with. He did a fairly decent job with the film and really helped make sure Cruise and Diaz had fun with the film and looked good doing it.
At the end of the day, I wouldn't say I loved "Knight and Day" but than again I don't usually love any action comedy. It was completely nonsensical but it was a fun and enjoyable action flick. It's not your typical action movie because it mixed a bit of dark and demented humor. Its plot makes no sense and nothing about the film is serious at all. Everyone is acting goofy and looks like they are having fun working on the film. I liked it but that's because I appreciated it for what it was. People expecting the typical action film will probably not like it as much as they would like and those who want to see it for the comedy aspect alone will probably be a tad disappointed as well. I can see how this had mixed reviews and mixed audience reactions. Its not for everyone but for those who are bored with the typical action film nonsense, you may like this one. It's a fun action packed ride, that's for sure! MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Knight and Day" is a 7 out of 10.
Within the first 20 minutes of "Knight and Day" I knew why people hated this movie. First off, it makes very little sense and its really out there. Don't get me wrong, this is a really fun movie but don't expect to "get" it because it doesn't make any sense. The action sequences are over the top, Diaz and Cruise look like they are having a blast the entire time, and the movie is somehow interesting despite the plot making no sense. It's a brainless summer movie with some dark humor tossed into the mix. Not what you would expect from the normal Tom Cruise action flick and therefore why people didn't enjoy it that much.
While there are a lot of names in this film, Cruise and Diaz are the main stars and everyone else seems virtually unimportant. Cruise does a great job on this film with playing a wacky FBI rogue agent. He really uses his action star skills along with his comedic skills in this flick. Diaz, besides coming off as a brainless ditz, is fun to watch on screen. She really plays the clueless role in the film well and looks like she is having a ton of fun while doing it. I enjoyed watching her and Cruise because they have some really solid chemistry and know how to play off one another. The supporting cast consists of pretty solid actors although they are underused including Peter Sarsgaard and Viola Davis.
The screenplay for "Knight and Day" was written by Patrick O'Neill, who hasn't written much besides a television series called "Dead Last." The script didn't lack action nor did it lack comedy, however, it did lack common sense. This movie made no sense and I really had a ton of plot holes. If you watch the movie you will wonder how can they get all these places so fast? How can they avoid being shot so many times? How is there no one flying this plane? How does Cruise jump from car to car when they are going 75 miles an hour? Those are just a few of the questions I have with the film. I also have questions about the plot, which has to do with a high school drop out who invented a top secret energy source that is the size of a battery. Why do so many people know about this? Why is it so valuable? And there are plenty more questions but hey this truly puts the title of mindless action flick to good use.
The oddest thing about the film to me was that it was directed by James Mangold. For those who aren't familiar with the name, he is the man who directed "Walk the Line," the western remake "3:10 to Yuma," and the intelligent and underrated thriller "Identity." This movie just seemed like a odd choice for Mangold because he usually does dramas with some light action mixed in. This film was an action comedy and definitely not something Mangold has a lot of experience with. He did a fairly decent job with the film and really helped make sure Cruise and Diaz had fun with the film and looked good doing it.
At the end of the day, I wouldn't say I loved "Knight and Day" but than again I don't usually love any action comedy. It was completely nonsensical but it was a fun and enjoyable action flick. It's not your typical action movie because it mixed a bit of dark and demented humor. Its plot makes no sense and nothing about the film is serious at all. Everyone is acting goofy and looks like they are having fun working on the film. I liked it but that's because I appreciated it for what it was. People expecting the typical action film will probably not like it as much as they would like and those who want to see it for the comedy aspect alone will probably be a tad disappointed as well. I can see how this had mixed reviews and mixed audience reactions. Its not for everyone but for those who are bored with the typical action film nonsense, you may like this one. It's a fun action packed ride, that's for sure! MovieManMenzel's final rating for "Knight and Day" is a 7 out of 10.
Knight and Day
Scarecrow-8810 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
To think, all of the action that takes place in the Summer blockbuster bait of "Knight and Day" is because of a special kind of battery. Cameron Diaz works her charm as an auto mechanic; her garage primarily focuses on restoring old classic cars. She meets Tom Cruise, special agent, at the airport, gets a ticket on board a flight containing an entire crew and passenger manifest consisting of shadowy assassins attempting to retrieve the battery—not to mention, eliminate Cruise who becomes "solitary killing machine" when Diaz hits the lady's room.
The rest of the movie has poor Diaz mixed up in Cruise's global cat and mouse with the company he was once employed with, FBI or CIA, some sort of governmental entity which trains special agents and assigns them tasks and operations to perform.
"Knight and Day" is standard absurd escapist fare designed to cater to a crowd expecting thrills while munching on popcorn. Cruise's agent can accomplish stunning feats like multi-tasking when "the enemy" is after him, such as keeping his equilibrium in check despite having to shoot different weapons while on the top of cars as a number of people are firing machine guns in his direction.
His motorcycle ride with Cameron as his passenger through the streets of a Spanish city during the "running of the bulls" and how Cruise constantly avoids certain death while people are chasing him is as preposterous and exciting as it gets. There are plenty of James Bond type heroics for Cruise here, but, to be honest, he's essentially sliding into the vacant chair Sly and Arnold filled during the 80s and 90s. The violence to those Cruise annihilates is shot in a manner befitting a larger viewing audience, no graphic bloodshed, despite the climbing body count and use of artillery.
"Knight and Day" has the stunning locations typical of a globe-trotting action movie, such as a train in the Alps or the many places in Spain. Perhaps the biggest action sequence occurs in Boston, where Diaz' character lives.
Sub-plots include Diaz preparing for her sister's nuptials and discovering Cruise's parents home (they believe he's dead), Paul Dano's misfit genius who invented the batter constantly in peril with Cruise his protector (although, Cruise treats him like a big brother), Peter Sarsgaard as the agent out to catch Cruise (he's actually the villain who wants the battery and framed Cruise as the "rogue agent" who betrayed his government), and Jordi Mollà as Antonio, also wanting the battery because of its value, using the many Spanish henchmen as his disposal in order to do so.
Diaz finds herself knee-deep in espionage inadvertently, even one point having herself kidnapped by Antonio so that she can reunite with Cruise when they are separated. One funny scene has Diaz drugged by Antonio with a truth serum so that she can unveil the location of the battery, but all it does is cause her to ramble about everything except what he desires (it gets even funnier when Cruise storms Antonio's compound to rescue her and she admits they would probably have great sex!).
"Knight and Day" has the usual mixture of romance, comedy, and ridiculous superhuman abilities of its hero (and heroine, since Diaz even performs some pretty impressive feats such as driving a car from the back seat while hunching over a dead driver while Cruise is dangling from different areas of the vehicle, not to mention, shooting a gun while sitting in Cruise's lap as he is driving the motorcycle through crowded streets and alleys with constant gunfire aimed right at them) we expect from a movie designed to target a large opening weekend during the summer.
Sarsgaard, a fine actor, is really on auto-pilot here, not asked to do much except connive and plot his strategy for getting the battery. Cruise has several scenes (including the flight from Wichita and on board the train, where he must combat highly skilled assassins) where he must use Jason Bourne type martial arts skills.
The use of a knock-out drug which subdues Diaz (and even Cruise at the end) so that Cruise can keep her from hysterics is an interesting device which shows a skewed perspective from the point-of-view of the one under its influence, how she can visualize (in a haze) certain moments awakening for brief intervals, before finally returning to a lucid state (it also allows the director to avoid showing how Cruise gets Diaz out of a seemingly impossible trap with a veritable army of Antonio's men in a warehouse and to an island "off the grid").
The rest of the movie has poor Diaz mixed up in Cruise's global cat and mouse with the company he was once employed with, FBI or CIA, some sort of governmental entity which trains special agents and assigns them tasks and operations to perform.
"Knight and Day" is standard absurd escapist fare designed to cater to a crowd expecting thrills while munching on popcorn. Cruise's agent can accomplish stunning feats like multi-tasking when "the enemy" is after him, such as keeping his equilibrium in check despite having to shoot different weapons while on the top of cars as a number of people are firing machine guns in his direction.
His motorcycle ride with Cameron as his passenger through the streets of a Spanish city during the "running of the bulls" and how Cruise constantly avoids certain death while people are chasing him is as preposterous and exciting as it gets. There are plenty of James Bond type heroics for Cruise here, but, to be honest, he's essentially sliding into the vacant chair Sly and Arnold filled during the 80s and 90s. The violence to those Cruise annihilates is shot in a manner befitting a larger viewing audience, no graphic bloodshed, despite the climbing body count and use of artillery.
"Knight and Day" has the stunning locations typical of a globe-trotting action movie, such as a train in the Alps or the many places in Spain. Perhaps the biggest action sequence occurs in Boston, where Diaz' character lives.
Sub-plots include Diaz preparing for her sister's nuptials and discovering Cruise's parents home (they believe he's dead), Paul Dano's misfit genius who invented the batter constantly in peril with Cruise his protector (although, Cruise treats him like a big brother), Peter Sarsgaard as the agent out to catch Cruise (he's actually the villain who wants the battery and framed Cruise as the "rogue agent" who betrayed his government), and Jordi Mollà as Antonio, also wanting the battery because of its value, using the many Spanish henchmen as his disposal in order to do so.
Diaz finds herself knee-deep in espionage inadvertently, even one point having herself kidnapped by Antonio so that she can reunite with Cruise when they are separated. One funny scene has Diaz drugged by Antonio with a truth serum so that she can unveil the location of the battery, but all it does is cause her to ramble about everything except what he desires (it gets even funnier when Cruise storms Antonio's compound to rescue her and she admits they would probably have great sex!).
"Knight and Day" has the usual mixture of romance, comedy, and ridiculous superhuman abilities of its hero (and heroine, since Diaz even performs some pretty impressive feats such as driving a car from the back seat while hunching over a dead driver while Cruise is dangling from different areas of the vehicle, not to mention, shooting a gun while sitting in Cruise's lap as he is driving the motorcycle through crowded streets and alleys with constant gunfire aimed right at them) we expect from a movie designed to target a large opening weekend during the summer.
Sarsgaard, a fine actor, is really on auto-pilot here, not asked to do much except connive and plot his strategy for getting the battery. Cruise has several scenes (including the flight from Wichita and on board the train, where he must combat highly skilled assassins) where he must use Jason Bourne type martial arts skills.
The use of a knock-out drug which subdues Diaz (and even Cruise at the end) so that Cruise can keep her from hysterics is an interesting device which shows a skewed perspective from the point-of-view of the one under its influence, how she can visualize (in a haze) certain moments awakening for brief intervals, before finally returning to a lucid state (it also allows the director to avoid showing how Cruise gets Diaz out of a seemingly impossible trap with a veritable army of Antonio's men in a warehouse and to an island "off the grid").
Cute and fun
NS-movie-reviews24 September 2022
"Knight and Day" is an entertaining romantic comedy with a fun premise and likeable characters. It is sweet, fun, and worth the watch.
It's got that quintessential 2010's feeling of just being a movie that's made to be enjoyed. It's got a lot of action (Tom Cruise stunts galore), some romantic chemistry, some great comedic scenes, and some beautiful locations! The dialogue is snappy and funny even while being a bit cheesy.
Are there plot holes? Yes. Many. Are there moments that are a little too silly to be written off entirely? Yes. But is this movie a quick, sweet, charming story that delivers? Also yes.
It's got that quintessential 2010's feeling of just being a movie that's made to be enjoyed. It's got a lot of action (Tom Cruise stunts galore), some romantic chemistry, some great comedic scenes, and some beautiful locations! The dialogue is snappy and funny even while being a bit cheesy.
Are there plot holes? Yes. Many. Are there moments that are a little too silly to be written off entirely? Yes. But is this movie a quick, sweet, charming story that delivers? Also yes.
my evaluation of the film
leanne-alessandra4 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Alas yet another action-comedy has been made! However is it any good? Well, quite possibly yes. Having received mixed responses from other critics and generally scoring around 5/10 on most occasions, it is thought that many people may in fact enjoy it, although will not be impatient for it to come out on DVD, however it still should be seen. Directed by James Mangold, who also directed the award-winning 'Walk the Line,' the film is likely to have some good potential, which it does.
The perhaps star-vehicle film stars none other than Mission Impossible lead Tom Cruise and Charlie's Angel Cameron Diaz who appear together on our screens for the second time after Vanilla Sky. Both stars can be seen as 'objects of desire' as on at least two occasions Cruise's top is off showing his fine, fit body and Diaz shows off her amazing body while in a bikini, thus making it a good film for couples to go and see as both would have someone to feast their eyes on.
The film cleverly makes some spectators alternate their views on whether Cruise's character is the good guy or the bad guy. Making the spectator think can be an added bonus into creating a good film. However the film lacks the in depth detail of the main characters which could loosen a spectator's connection to the film, therefore making it a film more suitable for people who seek escapism from realism.
Escapism is easily seen because of the large amounts of typically American action scenes such as gun fights, car chases and explosions, which added with the witty comedy, are shown pretty well and make it enjoyable to watch, which surprises me when I found that the film did better globally ($200 million, box office) than domestically. One explanation for this is that it couldn't compete with family orientated films such as, The Karate Kid and Toy Story 3 which both seemed to generally do better. On the other hand, The Karate Kid is a remake of the 80s classic and Toy Story 3 is the third in a series of films that is adored by many generations, so both would obviously seem more popular.
Although the comedy element of the film doesn't make you laugh for hours on end, it is filled with many witty comments that keep the film light-hearted and keep it from becoming boring, and Diaz and Cruise create this well with the use of good chemistry.
I personally rate the film with 7/10 as apart from the lack of character in depth, the mixture of wit, Cruise and Diaz, and amazing action sequences, create a great film for couples and families (particularly with teenagers) to watch.
The perhaps star-vehicle film stars none other than Mission Impossible lead Tom Cruise and Charlie's Angel Cameron Diaz who appear together on our screens for the second time after Vanilla Sky. Both stars can be seen as 'objects of desire' as on at least two occasions Cruise's top is off showing his fine, fit body and Diaz shows off her amazing body while in a bikini, thus making it a good film for couples to go and see as both would have someone to feast their eyes on.
The film cleverly makes some spectators alternate their views on whether Cruise's character is the good guy or the bad guy. Making the spectator think can be an added bonus into creating a good film. However the film lacks the in depth detail of the main characters which could loosen a spectator's connection to the film, therefore making it a film more suitable for people who seek escapism from realism.
Escapism is easily seen because of the large amounts of typically American action scenes such as gun fights, car chases and explosions, which added with the witty comedy, are shown pretty well and make it enjoyable to watch, which surprises me when I found that the film did better globally ($200 million, box office) than domestically. One explanation for this is that it couldn't compete with family orientated films such as, The Karate Kid and Toy Story 3 which both seemed to generally do better. On the other hand, The Karate Kid is a remake of the 80s classic and Toy Story 3 is the third in a series of films that is adored by many generations, so both would obviously seem more popular.
Although the comedy element of the film doesn't make you laugh for hours on end, it is filled with many witty comments that keep the film light-hearted and keep it from becoming boring, and Diaz and Cruise create this well with the use of good chemistry.
I personally rate the film with 7/10 as apart from the lack of character in depth, the mixture of wit, Cruise and Diaz, and amazing action sequences, create a great film for couples and families (particularly with teenagers) to watch.
Action-packed comedy with a punch!
paul_haakonsen30 October 2010
I was sort of influenced by the somewhat bad reviews I had read about this movie, but decided to watch it anyway, because both Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz usually make good movies. So I sat down and watched it, and I am glad that I did.
There is action all throughout the movie, from the beginning till the very end, and it is the sort of action that is in your face and keeps your adrenalin pumping without being too much over the edge. And the action scenes were well choreographed and worked well.
Also, the comedy in the movie was well used at the right times, adding a lot of flavor to the movie. This aspect gave the movie so much charm and it worked wonderfully. Both Cruise and Diaz were good with these comedy twists.
The story is pretty straight forward and easy to follow, leaving some up for you to guess and speculate about, and that was good.
As for the cast, well as always, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz put on magnificent work. I personally think that this is actually one of Tom Cruise's best movies. But of course, we all have our own preferences. The supporting cast also did well.
My friend said that this movie seemed like an imitation of the "Mission Impossible" movies, but I think it is in a whole other league. This one is an action-comedy while the others are pure action.
This movie is good for an evenings entertainment with lots of action and laughs. And the chemistry between Cruise and Diaz makes it worth it just for that alone. If you haven't seen this movie already, get to it!
There is action all throughout the movie, from the beginning till the very end, and it is the sort of action that is in your face and keeps your adrenalin pumping without being too much over the edge. And the action scenes were well choreographed and worked well.
Also, the comedy in the movie was well used at the right times, adding a lot of flavor to the movie. This aspect gave the movie so much charm and it worked wonderfully. Both Cruise and Diaz were good with these comedy twists.
The story is pretty straight forward and easy to follow, leaving some up for you to guess and speculate about, and that was good.
As for the cast, well as always, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz put on magnificent work. I personally think that this is actually one of Tom Cruise's best movies. But of course, we all have our own preferences. The supporting cast also did well.
My friend said that this movie seemed like an imitation of the "Mission Impossible" movies, but I think it is in a whole other league. This one is an action-comedy while the others are pure action.
This movie is good for an evenings entertainment with lots of action and laughs. And the chemistry between Cruise and Diaz makes it worth it just for that alone. If you haven't seen this movie already, get to it!
Its not as bad as critics says.. Confusing and unrealistic yet quite entertaining
saadgkhan19 September 2010
KNIGHT AND DAY – CATCH IT ( B+ ) Knight and Day, well I've been waiting for this movie ever since it's in the making and when it came out, I heard the negative reviews. I was surprised as it has the biggest stars of Hollywood it can't be that bad. After watching the movie now I know why critics are so negative about it because the script or story line of the movie is really childish. You don't expect such plot line from Tom Cruise or Cameron Diaz. Still it doesn't mean it doesn't work, it actually work perfectly because once you get the story it's easy to buy the movie further. Knight and Day starts off really confusing and unrealistic plus the plane crash and then car chase sequences seems over the top. (Though they were brilliantly shot). Later on there are nonstop action sequences and the end action sequence within the Bull race in Spain is just simply Jaw Dropping. Tom Cruise is charismatic and Cameron Diaz is cheerful and their chemistry is the total base of the movie. Maggie Grace, Marc Blucas, Paul Dano, Viola Davis were wasted and Peter Sarsgaard is OK as always. (I always found him incredibly boring actor) They make it work big time plus the heavy larger than life action sequences makes it really treat to watch. I think if they worked a little more on the story it could have been a brilliant entertainer like Mr. and Mrs. Smith but still nonetheless it is quite entertaining. Watch it you won't disappoint and Tom Cruise haters should take rest now, leave him Alone!
Completely OTT
ken-830-2875828 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This must be one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The usual hyped up, over-rated actors with Tom Cruise playing the super hero action-man and Cameron Diaz, the fatally attracted blonde who becomes his action women. I'd rather watch Superman and Batman. At least we're under no illusions that they are fantasy.
It's the usual, predictable tripe that's prevalent in movies these days. The hero can pilot planes, do motor bike stunts, race cars through buildings and against heavy oncoming traffic, firing guns, playing with computers and pulling stunts all at the same time. He always leaves a trail of destruction and dead bad men in his wake but never gets shot himself. At one point, about a dozen baddies with guns have the drop on him but he manages to joke with Diaz while killing them all and then gets away. Watch it if you like but why fill your brain with this rubbish.
It's the usual, predictable tripe that's prevalent in movies these days. The hero can pilot planes, do motor bike stunts, race cars through buildings and against heavy oncoming traffic, firing guns, playing with computers and pulling stunts all at the same time. He always leaves a trail of destruction and dead bad men in his wake but never gets shot himself. At one point, about a dozen baddies with guns have the drop on him but he manages to joke with Diaz while killing them all and then gets away. Watch it if you like but why fill your brain with this rubbish.
Best spy movie
isaaccobrien23 June 2018
Vacation time
kosmasp21 October 2010
I had seen an interview with Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise, while they were shooting this movie. And one thing became apparent (which also is very much apparent in the movie): They had lots of fun doing the movie. And while it does have quite a few flaws (story/continuity-wise and so forth), you could just sit back and relax a movie, that just wants to entertain.
Not all jokes work (for me), especially a pay off, at the end of the movie, delivered by Camerons, just feels too forced, but all in all, this was entertaining enough. Just try not to think too much about it and let this warm-up for M:I 4 (at least for Tom Cruise) do the job for you. Yes you can and some probably will hate it (and it's completely understandable), but I let my doubts (even after watching it) aside and gave it 7 instead of 6 out of 10 ...
Not all jokes work (for me), especially a pay off, at the end of the movie, delivered by Camerons, just feels too forced, but all in all, this was entertaining enough. Just try not to think too much about it and let this warm-up for M:I 4 (at least for Tom Cruise) do the job for you. Yes you can and some probably will hate it (and it's completely understandable), but I let my doubts (even after watching it) aside and gave it 7 instead of 6 out of 10 ...
Horrible attempt to promote Tom Cruise
nenjiavero26 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I have to be honest, I expected it. As soon as I saw the poster, I knew "Cruise and Diaz? Hell no!". But I decided to give it a shot...
I will start with what I don't like: Almost everything!
As soon as the movie started I knew I'm gonna suffer for the next 109 minutes. The movie has so many flaws and the acting was at the level of some '90s soap operas. Stupid, empty dialogs and childish looks gave me the feeling someone wanted to put two adults to play teenagers.
The story? Very disappointing. Our dear Cruise somehow failed to leave the impression of a secret agent (probably because he was always trying to show that smile of his which made him an actor), while Diaz showed that she still can't act any further than whining and showing her fake teeth. Also, I don't think real secret agents steal the most expensive cars to drive around...
Now for the worst part: Explosions and bullets. Yeah, yeah, I get it. Explosions are a must in action movies. Great! But this movie had the most idiotic ways to use explosions and bullets. (warning, spoiler ahead) I stopped counting at 5billion bullets fired, and then all of a sudden, even though he used the past 100 minutes to avoid bullets, Cruise walks slowly through a shower of bullets fired from automatic guns without getting hit? Come on!!! (end of spoiler)
The explosions-counter wasn't really busy, but my brain almost exploded because of the stupid way the movie used explosions like (spoiler) the airplane crash (end of spoiler).
And now, for the good stuff. After watching 109 minutes, and suffering from different kinds of nervousness, I managed to find something that is great in the movie:
1. The cars - everyone loves to see old timers, whether they're wrecked or look like new, they're beautiful.
2. (MAJOR SPOILER) the sentence "someday is an excuse for never" really hit me. (end of spoiler)
I regret spending my money on such an awful movie.
I will start with what I don't like: Almost everything!
As soon as the movie started I knew I'm gonna suffer for the next 109 minutes. The movie has so many flaws and the acting was at the level of some '90s soap operas. Stupid, empty dialogs and childish looks gave me the feeling someone wanted to put two adults to play teenagers.
The story? Very disappointing. Our dear Cruise somehow failed to leave the impression of a secret agent (probably because he was always trying to show that smile of his which made him an actor), while Diaz showed that she still can't act any further than whining and showing her fake teeth. Also, I don't think real secret agents steal the most expensive cars to drive around...
Now for the worst part: Explosions and bullets. Yeah, yeah, I get it. Explosions are a must in action movies. Great! But this movie had the most idiotic ways to use explosions and bullets. (warning, spoiler ahead) I stopped counting at 5billion bullets fired, and then all of a sudden, even though he used the past 100 minutes to avoid bullets, Cruise walks slowly through a shower of bullets fired from automatic guns without getting hit? Come on!!! (end of spoiler)
The explosions-counter wasn't really busy, but my brain almost exploded because of the stupid way the movie used explosions like (spoiler) the airplane crash (end of spoiler).
And now, for the good stuff. After watching 109 minutes, and suffering from different kinds of nervousness, I managed to find something that is great in the movie:
1. The cars - everyone loves to see old timers, whether they're wrecked or look like new, they're beautiful.
2. (MAJOR SPOILER) the sentence "someday is an excuse for never" really hit me. (end of spoiler)
I regret spending my money on such an awful movie.
Over the top, corny, but entertaining
antonjsw130 December 2011
While not a success at US cinemas, the film performed very well overseas and is enjoyable romp, which does not take itself too seriously. Despite the fact that the film's script went through as many as ten different writers, the final script, no doubt with the director James Mangold having a pretty big influence, is fun and entertaining, despite some typical tent-pole summer release plot contrivances (most notably a crass attempt at playing a plane crash for laughs, and silly plot twist at the end of the film that leads to a corny and stereotypical climax).
These weaknesses are largely offset by fun performance of Tom Cruise, who is very good in the role of a darker, shiftier, wittier and a more morally ambiguous version of his Ethan Hunt persona from Mission Impossible. He handles himself very well throughout the film and his character makes for a good foil for Cameron Diaz , who has fun playing a car mechanic version of Cameron Diaz. The trajectory of her character in the film is far too obvious, but despite this there is a lot of fun to be had watching her get there, and the on screen chemistry between her and Cruise is charming and draws the audience along.
The plot, as I have already mentioned is hardly original, but despite the aforementioned problems it is pretty impressive for one that has gone through a whole slew of writers. Normally these scripts come out very bad. Director James Mangold is the individual who deserves credit for fashioning the script into an entertaining and satisfying caper film, even if the fate of Peter Sarsgaard (the CIA/NSA type operative sent to apprehend/kill the Tom Cruise character, and who is pretty good in the role) is obvious almost within the first ten minutes of the movie.
Action sequences are well handled, (kudos to second unit director Brian Smrz)and the digital visual effects are by and large pretty good, being handled by a variety of different companies. Editing is polished , and Jon Powell's score helps keep the proceedings brisk and enjoyable, and there are subtlety amusing nods to both Bourne and Bond in the music. Director Mangold, as usual, marshals all these elements together with style and panache to produce a slick, fun final product that while hardly original, is very enjoyable and leaves you feeling emotionally satisfied when it is over.
This is a film that if you simply allow yourself to lap up the experience, will find it to be a fun and entertaining experience, albeit hardly a profound one.
These weaknesses are largely offset by fun performance of Tom Cruise, who is very good in the role of a darker, shiftier, wittier and a more morally ambiguous version of his Ethan Hunt persona from Mission Impossible. He handles himself very well throughout the film and his character makes for a good foil for Cameron Diaz , who has fun playing a car mechanic version of Cameron Diaz. The trajectory of her character in the film is far too obvious, but despite this there is a lot of fun to be had watching her get there, and the on screen chemistry between her and Cruise is charming and draws the audience along.
The plot, as I have already mentioned is hardly original, but despite the aforementioned problems it is pretty impressive for one that has gone through a whole slew of writers. Normally these scripts come out very bad. Director James Mangold is the individual who deserves credit for fashioning the script into an entertaining and satisfying caper film, even if the fate of Peter Sarsgaard (the CIA/NSA type operative sent to apprehend/kill the Tom Cruise character, and who is pretty good in the role) is obvious almost within the first ten minutes of the movie.
Action sequences are well handled, (kudos to second unit director Brian Smrz)and the digital visual effects are by and large pretty good, being handled by a variety of different companies. Editing is polished , and Jon Powell's score helps keep the proceedings brisk and enjoyable, and there are subtlety amusing nods to both Bourne and Bond in the music. Director Mangold, as usual, marshals all these elements together with style and panache to produce a slick, fun final product that while hardly original, is very enjoyable and leaves you feeling emotionally satisfied when it is over.
This is a film that if you simply allow yourself to lap up the experience, will find it to be a fun and entertaining experience, albeit hardly a profound one.
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