VALKYRIE

RYAN: Tom Cruise’s controversial film, “Valkyrie,” suffered from a roving release date; it was pushed back, then forward, then back again, and wound up coming out during holiday season ’08, which is prime Oscar release time.

CAROLINE: I have to admit that I just wasn’t that interested in seeing this movie, which is why I’ve let you see it without me. I might see it someday, but I think I have a little Ryan-itis over this one in that I just don’t want to see a movie about Hitler, especially with the spate of Holocaust movies this season.

RYAN: I went to see “Valkyrie” with my dad because he loves war movies, and it’s one of those films where your expectations, either great or small, will dictate how much you enjoy it. I had such low expectations that I thought it wasn’t that bad.

CAROLINE: Well, that’s good to hear. I don’t think I’ll get my butt to the theater, but maybe I’ll rent it sometime.

RYAN: It has an intriguing story, and this just in, Tom Cruise is a very good actor. Sure, there are several popular things to bitch about with this film, such as the fact that Tom plays a German but speaks with an American accent. But if you can ignore those things, you might actually enjoy it.

CAROLINE: And there are a few other stars we like in it too, right?

RYAN: Totally – Kenneth Branagh, whom we adore; plus Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson. The performances are pretty good, it’s decently written and the action is all good. Bryan Singer, the director, did a better job of putting it together than the hype would lead you to believe. It’s not getting any recognition this awards season, and I don’t think it should; but it’s definitely not as bad as everyone feared it would be.

CAROLINE: Well, I’ve heard some positive things about it from other people, and it did get some decent reviews. I think it’s been fun for everyone to bash the movie because of Tom’s eye patch, and the whole Germany vs. Scientology scandal. I love Tom Cruise as an actor, but I just wasn’t compelled to see this movie. I think it’s the historical element that makes me lose interest. As you know, I hate historical epic-type flicks.

RYAN: I will say that a really cute English actor, Jamie Parker, plays Tom’s assistant, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in more movies. And I do think this movie presented some acting challenges for Tom; he gets half his hand blown off in one scene, and he has the eye patch. It’s definitely not as great as the “Mission: Impossible” movies, but it’s not a complete loss.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: It’s a thinker of a film – a bit cat and mouse, some decent suspense and performances. But not entirely captivating at a time when it’s a competition out there for your moment at the movies. I cannot say whether I liked or disliked this film and I think anyone viewing it would walk away feeling the same way. It’s just sort of there.

— RATING —