Review - The Double

The Double Keeps You Guessing

Cassius has been one of the most elite Russian spies American has known. He has ruled over the Russian forces with an iron fist and remained secretive to American intelligence sources. One man, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), has been closer than any American operative. He has tracked this man in his former career with the CIA, so it is understandable that he is brought back from retirement when evidence mounts that the spy has resurfaced.

He’s paired with a young FBI agent that thinks he understands the mind of Cassius named Ben Geary (Topher Grace). Ben is someone who has risen to his rank with his theories and research on the elusive Russian. Together they will try to stop Cassius before he carries out his mission, whatever it may be. Why has Cassius resurfaced? What does he have planned for his next mission and can Ben and Paul stop him in time.

The Double is a solid little film, for the most part. It deals in some cliché at time, but overall tends to work with the pairing of the young buck (Grace) with the wily veteran (Gere). Though the feeling here for me is Grace is coming harder at his role than Gere, and that is what makes this a notch below what you expect from a film like this.

I love Odette Annable and just wish she could be used more in films, but both she and Martin Sheen take a back seat to Gere and Grace.

Twists abound and some aren’t as obvious as others, but this is still an enjoyable little ride. Somewhat formula, but a decent ride nonetheless. How much of what I’m saying is true though, hmmmm, I can’t be a double agent…gotta say what I believe. But; The Double will have you guessing until the end.

C+

The Double

Universal Pictures

Director: Michael Brandt

Cast: Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Martin Sheen, Odette Annable

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images and language.

Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes