Knight and Day

Tom Cruise can't go wrong with an action thriller and there are many blockbusters to prove that.

Cameron Diaz is perfect as a goofy, high on life and bubbly girl next door. And director James Mangold has gems like Walk the Line and Girl Interrupted to his credit. When such stalwarts come together, you expect nothing but a blockbuster.

However, somehow Knight and Day falls short of all expectations. Blame it on the `formula' script that fails to bind it into a memorable watch. But what shines despite the run-of the-mill, secret agent meets girl next door story, is the crackling chemistry between the lead actors.

The movie begins with June Havens (Diaz) getting on a plane she was not supposed to be on where comes across the charming and intriguing Roy Miller (Cruise) whom she had already bumped into twice at the airport. The sparks fly and she is all set to seduce Roy but she is not aware that he has already assassinated a few other passengers and pilot on board. After landing on a field Roy warns June to be careful with people who will come after her to know about Roy and they might even kill her. June tries to run away from all the troubles that follow after the crash, but realises she and Roy have to work as a team if she wants to survive. Roy explains he is trying to save a genius high school inventor Simon (Paul Dano) and his cre ation -a perpetual energy battery called the Zephyr -from falling into wrong hands. While on their way to take Simon to a safe location, they are chased by the FBI and a Spanish arms dealer, Antonio (Jordi Molla). While June falls for Roy's charm, while in hiding in Austria June comes to know that Roy himself is involved in trading the Zephyr with Antonio.

The movie has been shot in exotic locations like Austria and Spain and involves lots of action and thrill. The lead actors are given ample space to let their chemistry bloom on screen. Cruise is one of the most bankable stars of Hollywood and he proves it in the movie which n spite of having a nothing new to offer has been ef ortlessly carried by him with his charm and acting skills. Diaz has done full ustice to her role as con used and bubbly girl goof ng things up. It's because of hese two that one can find he movie interesting enough till the last scene.

All said and done, don't go to watch it expecting it to be next MI series or Mr and Mrs Smith as it is not that sleek or that smouldering.

Take it as a summer fling, which is interesting, engaging and a fun way to pass time.

Knight and Day

Genre: Action, thriller, comedy, romance

Director: James Mangold

Cast: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard, Jordi Molla and Viola Davis