Review of Allied (2016) by Junelkean — 22 Jan 2018

It's needless to say that films based on events from World War II are custom-built to win Academy awards. Well, Robert Zemeckis' latest entry "Allied" is a proof to that. In this movie (set on 1942 Casablanca), two operatives (Pitt & Cotillard) must test their relationship by the pressures of the war, when one of them is suspected to be a Nazi spy.

On many surfaces, Allied offers us beautiful setting details and timeless looks of a period film (by Gary Freeman). Whether Cotillard posing in her sexy yet elegant outfits (by Joanna Johnston) or fifty-three year old Pitt looking fresh in his black coats. But one thing's for sure - these two actors are competent in their respective careers. And that's what makes this movie more disappointing.

Allied's first half spends its time to develop the relationship of our two central protagonists, while serving as a throwback to classic WWII films. However, clichés start to arrive on its second half. It turns out to be one of those forgettable spy thrillers which doesn't know how to handle proper pacing and tone shifting. And even the movie proposes a sense of tension, such as when risky missions take place, it backs off and becomes tedious. It's a waste, because the opportunities for it are there for the taking.

VERDICT: Allied has the ingredients to make a classic film, however, it forgets to turn up the heat and mix all of the right stuff.