Written by: Susan Granger
http://www.susangranger.com

There's no question that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt exude killer chemistry. So why is their new, lighthearted thriller weighed down with absurd action and overblown violence?

The story begins with a bored suburban couple seeking marital counseling. Their problem? Communication. While they don't exactly lie, they also don't tell the truth, each keeping "little secrets." She thinks he's a construction engineer; he thinks she runs a high-tech temp agency. Actually, they're both top assassins, working undercover for competing firms. And when they're assigned to kill each other, their combat is the necessary spark that re-ignites their relationship.

I guess I was expecting more of an updated "Thin Man"/Nick & Nora-type comedy with overtones of high-tech spy thriller. Instead, screenwriter Simon Kinberg ("XXX: State of the Union") and director Doug Limon ("The Bourne Identity") serve up a dollop of caustic, amusing banter - weakly reminiscent of "The War of the Roses," "Prizzi's Honor" and "True Lies" - that's, literally, drowned by fiery explosions, shattering glass and crashing, ricocheting cars. It's often difficult to decipher the dialogue through the pointless noise and body count.

Despite the fast-pace, the 119-minute running time seems to drag on interminably - and inconclusively.As a leading man, Brad Pitt is great eye-candy but possesses little pizzazz. He's blue-eyed bland. On the other hand, Angelina Jolie exudes a sleek, sexy charisma that's irresistible. And Vince Vaughn is mildly amusing as Pitt's cohort.

On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" is an exasperatingly senseless, silly 6, saved only by sensational Angelina Jolie. And I'm sure I could live, quite comfortably, for a year on the bullet budget!

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