Spy Game

"Why would I ask somebody else to kill a horse that belonged to me?" On his last day before retirement, a case officer turns Langley upside down and acts on the very emotions he always warned his recruits against. It doesn’t matter that after a series of lies, blatant abuse of power, forgery of documents, and sending SEAL teams into action based on false orders, he has not only lost his pension fund for a comfortable retirement in warm countries but may not see a cent of his retirement savings. Well, at least he has his Porsche, right? Unless it goes up for auction to cover damages. The average shot length of 2.7 seconds is just right to avoid crossing into epileptically unbearable Scott territory, but the seasoned veteran Redford deserved a more convincing script for his One Day of the Condor. (2022-12-20)

I've missed this movie on TV a few times, and I'm glad I was finally able to see it. I should thank ‘Blesk’ newspaper for the free DVD edition. Spy Game is an otherwise top-notch spy thriller with an excellent acting duo in the lead roles. Redford shows he's still a wisecracking dude in his old age, and Brad Pitt shows again that he looks like he's Redford's son. Plus, Tony Scott's playful camerawork gives the movie an incredibly appealing look. I was most impressed by the roof interview scene (the FUJIFILM sign) and that’s why today’s lesson in the director’s diary reads: "If you want to film an interview in a high quality and dynamic way, film it from a helicopter." ;-) (2008-05-01)

This is a film with sober ratings and average reviews, but for me, it is Tony Scott's best film and one of those rare cases of action-packed spy drama that I can really appreciate. It's quite typical that this film has much lower ratings than a series of absurdly exaggerated action-packed films. Of course, the screenplay has its flaws here and there, which is why I am not giving it a five-star rating, but Robert Redford is excellent, the film maintains tension practically throughout, with dynamic editing that has nothing to do with choppiness, and especially the parts set in Beirut are precise in terms of action. Overall impression: 85%. (2009-04-17)

This is easily the best spy movie. A great story of love, honor, principle and sacrifice compiled into a contemporary spy thriller. A brilliant plot and a battle of wits that goes on from the beginning to the last minute. A riveting, well written, intelligent and superbly acted Hollywood smash starring the excellent Brad Pitt and Robert Redford. (2014-01-12)

An amazing old-school gem that beautifully recreates the late 80s-early 90s with a fantastic Robert Redford, a few creative script tricks, and numerous fabulous dialogues and situations. The thing to appreciate about this film is that Tony Scott put everything here. It is truly a "Game", nothing more, nothing less. Tremendously entertaining and attractive. (2013-04-16)