You can tell a lot about a new Tom Cruise film by checking out what hairstyle he is sporting for the occasion. As a lifelong exponent of the floppy-fringed, matinee idol look, Cruise knows a lot about the potential of a haircut to distance himself from his not so private life as a bona fide Hollywood icon. His best performances have been marked by a change of look; the greased ponytail of Magnolia, the blonde curls of Interview with the Vampire and the full on slaphead of Tropic Thunder. Similarly, Diaz’s most critically acclaimed role in Being John Malkovich saw her put away the hair straighteners in favour of a mousy brown frizz. What a difference a ‘do makes.
If you apply this theory to new film Knight and Day, you will have a fairly good idea what to expect. The publicity shows Diaz as her usual California girl blonde and Cruise sporting that boyish fringe. Clearly, this is not a film where either star is intent on pushing themselves.
Cruise plays Roy Miller, a secret agent (and hyperactive cinematic cousin to Mission Impossible's Ethan Hunt) who has gone rogue in an attempt to protect a young genius (Paul Dano) from all manner of bad guys. Diaz is April, the ditzy blonde along for the ride. Citizen Kane it ain’t but action comedies can get away with uninspired plotting just as long as they deliver on fun.
Sadly, Knight and Day suffers from a script that never stops to take a breath. Director James Mangold, who is known for more dramatic fare like Walk the Line and Girl, Interrupted struggles to make his mark amidst the exhausting stream of running, shooting and globe-hopping. It doesn’t help that the visual effects are less than impressive. During the many car chases, the CGI driven backgrounds appear flat and unreal; almost as flat as the chemistry between the leads.
This is where Knight and Day really fails. The relationship between Miller and the hapless April is completely devoid of spark and charm. Consequently, despite the non-stop action (and incessant chatter of both Cruise and Diaz), I quickly found my mind wandering. In fact, the only person more bored than me appeared to be Peter Sarsgaard, who sleepwalks through the film as Miller’s former partner.
A big “must try harder” to all involved.