True Lies


Samir the torturer: "Is there anything you want to tell me before we start?"
Harry: "Yeah. I'm going to kill you pretty soon."
Samir: "I see. How, exactly?"
Harry: "Well, first I'm going to use you as a human shield. Then I'm going to kill this guard over there with the Patterson trocar on the table. And then I was thinking about breaking your neck."
Samir: "And what makes you think you can do all that?"
Harry: "You know my handcuffs?"
Samir: "Mmm-hmm."
Harry: "I've picked them."



release year: 1994
genre: action/comedy
viewing setting: home DVD 2/5/23 and 1/17/16 and 11/2/12 and 5/17/07 and 5/22/03

synopsis: Mild-mannered Harry Tasker is actually living a double life as a super-secret agent. Problems arise when his work mixes with his family life.

impressions: This was one of the last good Arnold movies. It's about his funniest one that was still serious, meaning that although there were jokes flying, there was also blood flying. Add to this the direction and action that James Cameron brings to the table, and you've got a great ride ahead of you.

things to watch for: The fight-turned-chase with the three terrorists, or the escape from the terrorist camp.

acting: Arnold has a little more chance for some drama here, as he basically plays two characters: the normal, boring businessman and then the super-competent spy/agent. Jamie Lee Curtis is his clueless and bored wife, who really just wants some adventure in her life. Tom Arnold is the real source of humor here; his one-liners and offhanded quips are good for many laughs. Bill Paxton has a good supporting role as a wannabe. Art Malik is great as the leader of the terrorists and their sinister plot.

final word: Entertaining, worthy of "classic Arnold" status.

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