Salt (2010) Review: Angelina Jolie's Explosive Spy Masterclass

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Today, we are throwing it back to 2010. Before the MCU took over the world, practical stunts and spy thrillers ruled the box office. And no one I repeat, no one did it quite like Angelina Jolie. We are diving deep into the high-octane, twist-filled espionage thriller, Salt.

buckle up, because this review is going to be fast and furious.

Source : IMDB Salt 2010 Movie Review Official Poster

The Spy Who (Maybe) Loved Me?

Let's set the scene. It's 2010. Director Phillip Noyce and writer Kurt Wimmer decided to flip the script on the spy genre. Originally written for Tom Cruise (fun fact!), the lead role was reimagined for Angelina Jolie, and frankly, it was the best decision they could have made. Salt isn't just an action movie; it is a relentless chase that barely lets you breathe. In this Salt 2010 movie review, we are going to break down why this film remains a staple of the genre.

The Synopsis: Run, Evelyn, Run!

The premise hits the ground running. Evelyn Salt (Jolie) is a respected CIA officer. Her life seems perfect until a Russian defector walks into the office and drops a bombshell: Salt is actually a Russian sleeper agent trained from childhood to destroy America.

Instead of waiting to clear her name through bureaucracy, Salt does what any highly trained lethal weapon would do she runs. But is she running to prove her innocence, or is she running to complete her mission? The film keeps you guessing until the very last frame. It’s a classic cat-and-mouse game, with Salt being hunted by her own colleague, Winter (Liev Schreiber), and counter-intelligence officer Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Angelina Jolie performing a dangerous stunt in the movie Salt 2010.

Analysis: Action Over Logic? Absolutely.

If you are looking for a slow-burn, realistic documentary on espionage, this isn't it. Salt is pure adrenaline. The stunts are practical and visceral. Jolie famously did most of her own stunts, and it shows. Whether she is MacGyver-ing a rocket launcher out of a fire extinguisher and cleaning supplies or leaping off highway overpasses, she sells every moment.

However, the film isn't perfect. The plot moves so fast that if you blink, you might miss a plot hole or two. But Director Phillip Noyce paces it so well that you don't care about the logic until the credits roll. It compares favorably to the Bourne franchise but with a distinct flair. If you enjoy high stakes action with female leads, you definitely need to check out our list of Top Female Led Action Movies to see where Salt ranks!

The Cast: A Powerhouse Trio

A script is only as good as its actors, and Salt delivers.

• Angelina Jolie: She is the anchor. She brings a physicality that few actors possess.

• Liev Schreiber: As her boss and friend, he provides the emotional grounding the film needs.

• Chiwetel Ejiofor: He brings intensity and gravity to the role of the hunter.

For a full breakdown of the cast and some interesting trivia about the production, check out the Salt (2010) IMDb page. Linking to authority sites like IMDb helps Google understand that we know our stuff!

🍿 More from Popcorntalks: Don't Miss Our Last Hit!

Finished running from the CIA with Angelina Jolie? If you are craving more high-stakes action but want to swap spies for superheroes, you need to check out our previous massive review. We broke down the biggest cinematic event of the last decade. 👉 Read it here: Spider-Man: No Way Home Review - The Ultimate Fan Love Letter

The Final Verdict: Is Salt Worth Your Time?

Yes. Salt is a lean, mean, action machine. It clocks in at just around 100 minutes and wastes zero time. It’s the perfect movie for a Friday night when you want excitement, twists, and Angelina Jolie being an absolute boss.

While we never got the sequel the ending teased, Salt stands on its own as a solid entry in the hall of fame of action cinema. That’s it for today, Popcorners! If you want more reviews of classic 2010s thrillers, browse our Action & Thriller Archive. Keep watching, and keep reading Popcorntalks!