Girl meets boy, girl meets boy again on a plane, boy shoots everyone on plane and drugs girl so they can get away. It's a little spin on a familiar formula.
Roy Miller (Tom Cruise) is a super-spy who might need a mental adjustment, and is on the run from the government. June (Cameron Diaz) is the woman stuck with him on a flight to Boston. Things start off friendly enough, they flirt, share their future "someday" dreams and when June goes off to the bathroom, Roy dispatches everyone on the plane. Of course he is kind enough to meet her with a drink when she comes out. A kiss is exchanged and he tells her he has to land the plane.
June's flight from Wichita to Boston was to find a part for her father's GTO that she plans on rebuilding and then giving to her sister for her wedding that weekend. Unfortunately, with her new association with Roy she won't be going anywhere. Now on the run along with him, June must do everything she can to stay alive and, if possible, keep Roy alive as well.
All the credit in the world should be given to Tom Cruise. His self-effacing manner in Knight and Day is easily earns the most laughs of the entire film. To keep a straight face while shooting your way out of a situation and commenting on June's dress "The wedding is on Saturday, yeah that will be nice." The only actor that could have done it better is Mr. Deadpan himself, Bob Balaban. Cruise definitely has comedic chops (we all found that out after Tropic Thunder) and he doesn't disappoint in his role as Roy Miller.
The film's best running gags are when Cameron Diaz is drugged and she keeps coming in and out of consciousness in a more extreme situation. Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise make an excellent duo and there is much of a connection between the two as there is between George Clooney and Vera Farmiga in Up in the Air.
It's almost a throwback to Alfred Hitchcock romantic thrillers - right down to the MacGuffin. But from the way the film is marketed on trailers, and tv spots you could easily make the mistake of assuming it's an 80's action movie. The film's only downfall is its predictability. Anytime Peter Sarsgaard is casted in a film you know exactly what you are going to get as a moviegoer. It's still a fun ride and something to watch while theatres are packed with crowds for Twilight and Airbender.
**1/2 out of ****