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So-so Based on 1,129 reviews
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Written February 13, 2009
THE INTERNATIONAL - WELL-DONE! GRADE: A-minus

by MOVIES REVIEWER

Feb. 12 - I just attended the advance press preview of this suspenseful high-quality sleek movie starring Clive Own and Naomi Watts - good chemistry.
I was thoroughly entertained for the entire 1hr 58minutes duration.

Director Tom Tykwer has a firm grip on the suspense/thriller genre and he skillfully shot this movie in multiple locations around the globe - Berlin, Istanbul, NYC, France, and Milan. And competent editing by Mathilde Bonnefoy helped solidify the thrilling plot clarity and continuity based on the original screenplay by Eric Singer.

The International moved along briskly and there were chair-gripping scenes as well as dramatic scenes that showcased both Clive Owen's and Naomi Watts' considerable talents. The supporting cast gave above-average performances.

Great ending that provides a satisfying closure for the story - thematically heavy with thought-provoking moral dilemmas.

VERDICT:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
A DEFINITE MUST-SEE for action/thriller fans.
- 526 out of 541 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written February 20, 2009
An International Thriller

by Nightshade32

The International delves into the world of banking and brings to life a darker side of the finance business . The movie keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as the characters Louis Salinger, an Interpol agent, and Eleanor Whitman, an Assistant DA, played by Clive Owen and Naomi Watts; try to bring a corrupt bank to justice. There are several twists and turns in the movie that the outcome proves to be very surprising. Granted there are a few slow moments that drag the movie along, it is still one of the best thrillers to see.
Clive Owen gives a remakeable performance filled with sarcastic wit and touch of tough guy persona. Naomi Watts also gives an enjoyable performance though sometimes it seems like she is extremely tired in a few scenes.
The scenic shots from Berlin to Italy to Turkey and great scene in the famous Guggenheim Museum will definately keep everyone attention as they take a journey on this International thrill ride.
- 13 out of 15 found this review helpful.
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Written February 13, 2009
Although an 'R' rating no worries of any sexual content...just good clean gory violence etc

by Dark_Chameleon

This was well received from the half ful theatre (which is saying something for a friday matinee) and nobody walked out or sighed as too many do as of late with the mundane list of recent movies (save for those I have reviewed.

This is a good movie that is only surpassed by the availability of some great movies out now (the reader, slumdog millionaire, gran torino etc) but not one that you'll feel robbed by the time you leave.

Clive Owen is a good lead with the right background and reason to persue a bank with terrorist links which to my view is based loosly on the BCCI bank scandal in the 90's (perhaps pushed to extremes)

A worthy friday night movie with your buddies.

Grade: B-
- 12 out of 15 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written February 26, 2009
More intrigue and thriller than action!

by TDK in Dallas

I thought the movie was great. I was expecting a completely unbelievable piece of crap because of the reviews and the previews, but it was good.
- 11 out of 13 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written February 22, 2009
Most People Stumble Over the Truth and Wonder on Their Way Unaware....

by ShinesomeLight

This movie is AWESOME because, the director/producer obviously did his or her home work about the inner working of the Banksters..... Anyone who has studied the "Money Masters" "Money as Debt" and "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" and "The Creature From Jeckyl Island" recognized the pure truth hidden in this film. When the Italian politician made made the point about it not being about the money, but the "The Debt" and that was the truth, and the Federal Reserve, the IMF and the World Bank have been screwing Americans ever ever since they got control. Wake up sheeple.
- 9 out of 12 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written February 22, 2009
Excellent movie!

by Nazamova

I am surprised that this got a "So-So" review. This is a timely movie, some stick with you lines, great action, and gives the viewer something to think about and talk about long after seeing the flick. I suspect that in the day and age of over-the-top action sequences using the latest digital technology, using sex, nudity and explicit language to get people in the seats and being bombarded with stories that make your mind turn to mush rather than make you think, I can see why some folks may not have appreciated the quality of this movie. If you are looking for a good suspense thriller with action and intellect, this is a must see. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old "Die Hard" type movie, but am tired of that being the ONLY kind of action thriller being produced the past few years.
- 7 out of 8 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written February 21, 2009
The International

by jjlcastell

The preview for this movie does not do it any justice. I went into the movie thinking it was going to have a weak story line that would not be able to keep me engaged for the lenght of the movie. I was pleasantly surprised when the movie was not what I expected. I was glad to see that the movie was not too direct with the whole mob thing, something that kept me engaged in the movie. Naomi wasn't that great in this one. There were a few scenes when she just didn't seem to have the energy to keep the audience entertained, luckily, the scenes where she appeared the least in were my favorite, sorry Naomi.
- 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written February 17, 2009
Slow but very intriguing!

by rob0422

You have to know what you like. This is one of those pyscho-political thrillers. It's a movie for thinkers and analytical types. If you like action packed films you'll get some, but you'll definitely be bored with the sprinkles of action in this movie. If you love to travel and love mental challenges with insightful endings, go see it.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written February 24, 2009
The International

by rb76slu80

The movie was sort of your basic action thriller with a lot of fast moving action. The performances were good in terms of the two leads who played out the stress filled, paranoid and frightening consequences of an international bank which uses contract assassins to further its goals. It's a very disturbing film in terms of the concept it advances, but it certainly wasn't boring.
- 7 out of 9 found this review helpful.
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Oh No!
Written March 16, 2009
International

by sally1961

I wish I would have read the reviews before going to see this movie... Had to be the most boring movie that I have ever seen... We tried to wait until the end, but just couldn't do it. I was ready to leave after about half hour, gave it a chance. Starts out quick but gets very slow fast. Had to leave with about 20 minutes left. My teenage sons were bored too. Shame...the trailer shows a lot of action, that is about all there is.
- 5 out of 5 found this review helpful.
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Written February 26, 2009
Good Thriller

by KILLTHEBATMAN86

I enjoyed "The International" very much. It kept me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. They also showed the neat cities, countries and towns around the world, such as Berlin, France, and Turkey. They have great landscapes. There wasnt a lot of action but the suspense made up for it. It makes you think if something like this can actually happen. It is kind of true how they want everyone to be in debt, just so they can make more money. Good movie. Go see it. Clive Owen is a great actor as well.
- 12 out of 19 found this review helpful.
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Written February 16, 2009
Another solid action movie for '09

by JDB728

This is yet another quality action film in this early season of '09. We've yet to see any great or instant classic action movies yet, but it's got off to a good start with nothing but solid performing films.
There's really not much more to this film then the ol' 'find proof of corruption, witnesses die, star goes on a killing spree for "justice"'.
Clive Owen and Naomi Watts do give a nice performance and have some impressive chemistry together on the big screen.
It is a great movie to give people a little peace of mind by blaming the financial struggles of the world on corrupt transactions of major banks. It may not be true to life, but it does provide a good "rationalization" for those who suffer from this economic downturn.

Short review I know, but it's all I can think of to say about this good but not great action flick.

Thanks and happy watching.
- 10 out of 16 found this review helpful.
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Written February 26, 2009
The International

by Highlander1776

Typical Hollywood "conspiracy" scare thriller. Excellent acting by all, particularly by Naomi & Clive. Good action sequences. The "shoot out at the OK Corral" scene in the Guggenhiem Museum was a classic. I'm not sorry I went to see it, however, I probably will not see a second time, and definitely not a third or fourth time.
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Written February 18, 2009
The International

by Steve_46

Art is subjective. I thought "The International" quite good. Refreshingly there were no car chases or karate fights that have earned the moniker of cliche. The main character is under a terrible strain and continually has to fight for his life. The female lead is married with a family so no obligatory and cliched sex scene. They care about each other as colleagues and friends. All the supporting players, especially the police officers, have their own stories and conflicts. The plot is suitably murky and kept me interested until the very end when the story becomes clear. What it apparently lacks, according to previous reviews on this page, is the same old preditable story which is to its credit. It has an original screenplay and is structured, paced, and directed in a strong manner. Pay attention and you will learn a great deal about the world of international banking and its corrupting influence on our lives without our knowledge. I would keep an open mind and give this film a chance.
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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So-so
Written February 27, 2009
The International

by Patster

I was somewhat disappointed by this movie. It has some great actors in their roles but it was a very very slow movie and seemed much longer than the 1 3/4 hr movie that it was. Hard to follow. However I do agree that one of our biggest problems now is not so much money that we have but the debt that has been incurred.
- 7 out of 10 found this review helpful.
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