the Mind’s Chew Toy

Synopsis:

Roger Ferris (DiCaprio), a CIA operative, is sent to Jordan following a lead on a terrorist leader suspected of operating there. To infiltrate the terrorist network, DiCaprio must rely on the support of CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Crowe) and the head of Jordanian intelligence - but how far he can trust his supposed “allies” remains to be seen. Based on the novel by David Ignatius.

Our Thoughts:

Scott’s highly anticipated follow-up to American Gangster (2007) hits theaters this fall, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.

While Leonardo DiCaprio in the driver’s seat wouldn’t be my first choice, he’s shown recently in The Departed that he’s pretty good at playing the undercover guy.

This time, instead of infiltrating the mob, he’s infiltrating a terrorist network - but the basic premise seems the same. It looks like he’s going to be going through the undercover thing while dealing with questions about the reliability of some of his associates back at the CIA - including a veteran CIA officer portrayed by Russell Crowe.

Russell Crowe, who has disappointed us more times in the past than critics give him credit for (Gladiator being a prime example) has also shown us he can take the reigns when need be (A Beautiful Mind (2001)), so it will be interesting to see if he’s going to pull another impressive performance out of his hat for this one - or give us another disappointment.

With Ridley Scott at the helm, expect plenty of action and intrigue - but will it be worth it in the end, or is this new re-teaming of the people behind Gladiator (Scott also directed that film) be as disappointing?

There’s a lot that could go wrong with Body of Lies, but if things come together the way we’re hoping, this could turn out to be this year’s American Gangster (2007) - a compelling story worthy of the buzz it’s already generating.