Grade: B

SALT is an action movie that was originally written with Tom Cruise in mind for the lead character, Edwin Salt.  When Cruise dropped out, the story was re-conceived for Angelina Jolie, and the character became Evelyn Salt.  Good move! Jolie has both the charm, and the guts to pull this off in spades.  She can be the tough-as-nails secret agent, and the devoted wife at the same time.  She’s smart and sexy. And there aren’t many actresses who would gladly volunteer to do their own stunts! Director Philip Noyce said that Angelina not only volunteered, but insisted on it.  This makes the story very real, we are much more invested in it because we totally feel for this woman and all that she is going through.  And she goes through a lot!  She’s running the whole time.  It’s exciting, and scary.  We’re kept guessing right up until the end. The end is slightly unsatisfying because we’re being set up for a possible sequel, and possible series of sequels.  The character is strong enough to handle it.  The only question is whether the box office will be good enough to justify it.