Travolta captures old glory in ‘Paris’

Monday, February 8, 2010 - 12:04 AM

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and John Travolta have an altercation while attempting to stop a terrorist plot in Paris in the film “From Paris with Love.” Photo by Lionsgate

John Travolta is a badass. He pulsates with cocky flair normally reserved for members of G-Unit. From his unhealthy love for his pistol to his ability to clear a room before reloading, Travolta single-handedly makes “From Paris with Love” worth seeing. Forget the mediocre storyline, outmatched villains and pathetic side-kick, Travolta is an action hero, mustache and all.

Travolta plays Charlie Wax, a trigger-happy secret agent. His character introduction is hilarious and sets the pace for Wax as the action star and the comic relief of the movie. Wax channels Samuel L. Jackson, dispensing as much profanity as he does bullets. It reminded me of Pulp Fiction, with all the cockiness of Travolta’s Vincent Vega character. I must not have been alone in this, as there is an overt reference to Pulp Fiction about halfway through.

Then there’s Jonathan Rhys Meyers. While the movie is being advertised as a buddy-cop action movie, the main plot revolves around Meyer’s character, Reece. As most young male leads in a buddy-cop action movie, Reece is the just out-of-training hotshot who wants to get in the action. He’s smart, charming and likable, but he’s also a wuss. This is intentional, as it creates an entertaining dynamic between the brash Wax and the cowardly Reece, but, as the lead protagonist, he fails to hold interest.

The plot itself isn’t really worth noting for the simple fact that there isn’t much of a plot until the third act of the film. Instead, Wax guides Reece around much of Paris without telling him the purpose of their trip. When Wax finally reveals his mission, the film annoyingly blurs out the sound since Reece is under the influence of some very potent white powder. Things come together nicely in the third act, but it would’ve been nice to know the context of their actions much sooner than the film allows.

That isn’t to say that Reece and Wax’s exploits are dull. If the disjointed story does do something well, it is putting these two unlucky souls in one shootout after another. Nothing in this movie feels as realistic as Morel’s last movie “Taken,” and the action sequences feel more “Die Hard” than anything else. However, this works in the movie’s favor, and each sequence is thrilling and fun without ever getting too dark.

Even with a story that is forgettable and a lead that disappoints, Travolta delivers, and that’s more than enough reason to visit this bloody version of Paris.

‘From Paris with Love’
Release Date: Feb. 5
Director: Pierre Morel
Starring: John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Melissa Mars
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Rating: R for strong bloody violence, drug content and language
Grade: C+

Garrett Estrada can be reached at gestrada@nevadasagebrush.com.