True Lies

I had the idea that True Lies was one of the more digestible films of the acting genius Arnold Schwarzenegger, or rather one of several movies that I can give 3 stars. However, when I repeated the experience years later, it quickly became clear to me that the film contains a lot of nonsense, and the humor it possesses no longer appeals to me. The French original seems to me to be two classes better. Here the American budget and Arnold's myth earn it points. Overall impression: 45%. (04/22/2013)

It's been ages since the last time I saw this film... and I don’t regret watching it again today. Sure, it's not an Oscar-winning masterpiece, it does get pretty naïve at times, the action scenes are far-fetched and there are lapses in logic. On the other hand, it’s still great entertainment. Jamie Lee Curtis has been on my good for quite a while (I'll never forget A Fish Called Wanda). I already liked her as Helen the resigned wife, but when she became Doris, I almost laughed my head off. In what other film could I see a future California governor dancing the tango with a rose in his teeth? (04/19/2020)

If it weren’t for one detail it would be terrible nonsense but, because it’s pleasant and evidently a spoof, it’s a cool and relaxing watch. Arnie in his only good comedy role and, in addition to this, with the more than titanic help of Jamie Lee Curtis who is overflowing with comedy talent. Cameron’s directing is on top of everything and especially the final part is action-packed and brimming with desperate jokes. A movie that returned star status for Arnie that was definitely deserved. The only downfall is the rather excessive running length. Although the beginning and the ending work excellently, True Lies runs out of breath somewhere around half-way through. And that’s too bad. (04/21/2022)

As I always say, as a rule, mono-genre films are not as attractive as those where there is a genre hodgepodge. And that's what True Lies is about. As much as I don't like action movies, here it's perfectly combined with comedy and a dash of romance, and the result is perfect. On the technical side of things, I have to commend the great cinematography and excellent editing of all the action scenes. As for the actors, I have no words. Arnie is just good at tough guy roles and he really excelled here. Jamie Lee Curtis was very good in the role of the naive desperate wife who can turn into a dragoness, and the icing on the already quite excellent cake was the dopey and unlucky Bill Paxton. In short, if you're going to make an action movie, combine it with comedy, add a great cast and put someone like James Cameron in the director's chair and it's a smash. (07/17/2010)

We, the audience, are lucky that no one has offered Arnold the role of James Bond yet (a terrible idea), but here he fits the role of a secret agent very well. He tryes to act and it doesn't look bad at all. The script is good, the storyline with the irresistible "super agent" Bill Paxton is funny and Jamie Lee Curtis is a born comedian. The horse and motorbike chase is excellent and especially the whole final half hour is one big action orgasm. Arnold should kiss Cameron’s feet. (09/27/2003)