The International

I was highly impressed by this Clive Owen/Naomi Watts financial thriller. Director Tom Tykwer has long been a critical favorite though I’ve only seen his Run Lola Run, which I definitely enjoyed, and this is Eric Singer’s first produced script; the two created a fast-paced, suspenseful film that smartly brings in current populist fears of the powers behind the global banking system. Armin Mueller-Stahl and Brian F. O’Byrne lead a very good supporting cast.

Despite taking Hollywood money I’m impressed that Tykwer did not cave and give us a cheesy happy ending–bad guys got theirs but the system went on without breaking stride.