TRUE LIES (1994)

Written & Directed By: James Cameron 
Based on The Original  screenplay “La Totale” By: Claude Zidi, Simon Michael & Didier Kaminika 
Cinematography By: Russell Carpenter 
Editor: Conrad Buff, Mark Goldblatt & Richard A. Harris 


Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bill Paxton, Tom Arnold, Tia Carerre, Art Malik, Charlton Heston, Eliza Dushku, Grant Heslov, Marshall Manesh 


A fearless, globe-trotting, terrorist-battling secret agent has his life turned upside down when he discovers his wife might be having an affair with a used car salesman while terrorists smuggle nuclear war heads into the United States.

I saw this film many times in theaters, I was such a fan

This might be one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's last truly iconic role and the best part is he plays more of a veteran yet polite spy of all things. In a movie that has an over abundance of comedy. It feels strangely conservative but also to a degree is a crowd pleaser. One of the last times a film politics wouldn't override the audiences expectations or opinion as it seem to do today at times.

He actually seems more loose and comfortable in his performance which makes him more solid in his acting. This is actually one of his best performances so far. He is like a less smooth James Bond. As he is very apologetic throughout and well mannered to the public and anyone he inconveniences. While being a tough stone cold killer.

The film really revitalized Jamie Lee Curtis' career as she is funny, but is most remembered for the strip scene she does here. Which is sexy and all the more impressive to most in how in shape she is for her age at the time. She is an actress who is usually on the money. And always seems to bounce around and bounce back into the public consciousness. As she is sexy, funny, physical and most of all believable in her performance.

Even Bill Paxton in a small supporting role is over the top hilarious. That his scenes make you cry with laughter. He steals his scenes, As he is perfection as a slimeball used car salesman trying to seduce Jamie Lee Curtis. Anytime he is on screen he will have most people laughing out loud.

Tom Arnold finally gets a role that gives him room to be comedic and central to the story. As here he is funny but doesn't come off as overbearing. He Seems here half the time more to have running comedic commentary on the events that are happening throughout. He is even surprisingly good for all his reputation. I have never had a problem with him as an actor. In fact I usually find him to be a welcoming presence in most films he appears in.

All of these notable performances show the strength of the script and writing that goes on here as most roles are memorable and add to the overall enjoyment and execution of the film. So while James Cameron chooses to do more films that push the limits and evolution of special effects. Here he made a well made all around action comedy that is rare from his as it seems more simple and basic than we are used to from him. Though for that simple fact it doesn't seem like he tries that hard. Like he could have done this film in his sleep. Which not many in the same position could. Which just speaks to his talent as a filmmaker.

STRANGE for as big as this film is it seems so regular for James Cameron and almost quaint compared to his usual blockbusters that seem to push his filmmaking more. This is so far his only intentional comedy. Which makes me wonder how much was allowed to be improvised by the actors maybe. Who are more well known for comedy.

What keeps the film and it's action Sequences memorable other than originality is that no matter how grand they are and they are is that they are always usually tinged with comedy and humor. So that they are over the top on both points and strengths. Though stays within the realm of believability without being obnoxious or too ridiculous.

The film looks very expensive yet remains clinical and clean with a cold blue steel kind of color scheme.

The films villain isn't as memorable, but still provides somewhat of a challenge for the hero. He makes his presence felt. As the terrorists are from the middle east but are very vague as far as plans and what they actually want. At least the film allows for a memorable right-hand woman played by Tia Carrere who is sexy and dangerous as well as charming in her role.

Each scene throughout this film feels like it has a rhythm and heart. As well as a technical know how.

The film remains constantly busy with not only action but hidden agendas and secrets that it seems almost all the characters have. Just as the main character is always playing a type of role and must do the same all the time. Never knowing who he is supposed to be one day to the next but somehow keeps it straight even though he becomes distracted when he suspects his wife is having an affair. Where he uses his skills and resources to investigate. Which have him drop the ball somewhat on his current mission.

The film comes off as a middle aged fantasy. That feels like a heightened mid life crisis. This film is so much fun and has so much going for it. That to me it is an action classic that doesn't get mentioned way than enough. Maybe as we have seen bigger and better from James Cameron this is scene more as a step down or basic from him.

It is obviously dated at this time as many action film tried to copy items style of believing bigger was better but they all lacked the quality. This film is as big as it is because the story requires it and makes it more believable

It works as it’s own American James Bond film at first but as a what if James Bond had a family. As the action scenes especially in the opening are quite impressive themselves. But it also allows for a kind of modern day James Bond parody or at the very least a spy comedy that is a bit more bombastic

A huge production especially for a comedy that has a heavy action element. Thou would you expect any less from director James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Most of the scenes depend more on humor. Though have notable huge action scenes that work here and would work in a more traditional action setting.

It's big and goes to the verge at times, but manages to never go over the top. At times. Ore vulgar then we are used to from Schwarzenegger and Cameron. Especially considering the film seems more aimed at a younger crowd but plays more adult.

One of the joys in all this is that the comedic scene are played bigger and more expensive then a usual comedy would allow. As everything here is big, though at times the humor aspires to be subtle. It's a spy film that thankfully doesn't try to be a James Bond spoof.

One of the continuously running jokes is that Arnold's character is always polite to most civilians even in the middle of the action. Saying sorry and excuse me. This film seems like it's mission is to show a more suave Schwarzenegger than we are used to seeing especially with an early dance sequence

Sure most of the movie is an Unbelievable blockbuster premise. Though it is a film to easily get lost in and have fun with


Grade: A