The Saint (DVD, 1998)

The Saint has two plot lines: 1)Val Kilmer plays the super-skilled thief and confidence man, and 2) a romance with Elizabeth Shue who plays an unlikely (and largely unbelieveable) role as a scientist who has cracked the mysteries of cold fusion. Cold fusion plays an adhesive role in the film keeping Kilmer, Shue and a host of Russian bad guys all involved together throughout the film.

Kilmer is at his usual best portraying a likeable and unique character who uses his encyclpedic knowledge of Catholic saints in his many varied costumes and characters that gain him entry into a host of top secret places and Elizabeth Shue's bed.

The connection between Shue and Kilmer for me is worth the time spent with this picture. Not a contrived or predictable affair, but a subtle and wavering involvement that at the end does not dissapoint. I certainly like a good love story. Shue is adorable and Kilmer is believable in his role.

The chances of finding this DVD for sale are slim indeed. You may need to settle for the VHS. But either way it is surely worth having. Val Kilmer assumes the role (or should I say roles) of the literary character, The Saint. He is a master thief able to slip in and out of any country or situation through the use of disguises and mannerism. Kilmer is so convincing you will find it hard to believe they are all him. The plot is relentless and driven by a frenetic soundtrack also well worth having (there are two). After almost being unmasked in Russia The Saint must aquire the formula for Cold Fusion. This brings him in contact with the lovely and innocent scientist Dr.Emma Russell(Elizabeth Shue). Their emotional connection begins to complicate matters. The second half of the movie is a heart pounding race to the finish line. Everyone is pursuing The Saint; Emma, Scotland Yard, The Russians. The Saint is trying to protect Emma. The end is a delight. Chalk one up for the good guys. All together a really fun ride with many surprises.

This remake of The Saint for a hard core Simon Templar fan was somewhat of a disappointment. I like old time detective fiction Hammitt , Chandler , Charteris. This was an attempt to modernize a character created in 1928. A fair attempt but the film misses the central character of Templar. {See Roger Moore} I did enjoy the comments of the director in this enhanced version telling why he did certain things in the film. Overall , I would rate this a B- of a film , enjoyable but somewhat missing the mark.

i love this movie, the many faces of val kilmer, the reporter just cracks me up. val plays a man for hire to jobs that require a certain skill to obtain things. he is sent to convince a scientist to give up the formula she has been working on. the soundtrack is awesome too.

What can I say, I liked the movie when it came out and I love it now that I own it. It's a great thief story with a happy ending. Val Kilmer was great and really pulled of the character of Simon Templar. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.