Fair Game (2011)

Doug Liman is a guy that should be pretty familiar with conspiracies by now. Having directed 'The Bourne Identity' and 'Jumper' (both of which involve men being hunted down), he returns to his stomping ground with political thriller 'Fair Game'. Bourne was brilliant. Jumper was mediocre at best. After a hit and a miss, has Liman finally found his sweet spot?

Based on a true story, 'Fair Game' has the tricky task of accurately depicting Valerie Plame's (Naomi Watts) CIA downfall while remaining entertaining enough for your average cinemagoer. Does it achieve this? Well as always this is a game of two halves. The first half deals with the complex issues of both Iraq, uranium in Niger and Valerie's relationship with her husband Joseph Wilson (Sean Penn). Some of the jargon isn't sufficiently explained during this first half (repeated mention of the word 'yellowcake' didn't help) and at times you may find scenes dragging on a bit. I have to admit there were one or two 'watch glances' during the first hour. So at halftime you may be forgiven for thinking this is going the way of another Liman turkey (namely 'Mr and Mrs Smith').

But don't write 'Fair Game' off quite yet as the second half is when things really start to get interesting. The pivotal moment comes when Valerie's name is printed in the New York Times, thus blowing her cover as an agent and jeopardising several ongoing missions in the process. Not to mention the effect it has on her family and the strain it causes on her marriage. Sounds juicy? That's because it is. Read up about the Plame affair and you will immediately see the makings of a great movie.

Watts and Penn basically run this film. Not much time is given to secondary characters and to be honest, that doesn't matter. The story and acting are strong enough to warrant just two leads onscreen. Watts and Penn are terrific, with Penn slightly outshining our leading lady. They have great chemistry and nothing appears forced. As with 'The Fighter', real footage is included during the ending credits showing Valerie giving a testimony.

'Fair Game' has a lot going for it. Top acting and a story that's waiting to spill off the paper and onto the screen. However, a couple of flaws leave it feeling slightly disjointed. While not being as good as Liman's breakthrough film, it's encouraging to see the director back on track after a few flops. And when that final whistle blows, you'll probably be relieved that you don't work for the CIA.