The Saint (1997)

Lightly enjoyable but a disappointment in the context of author Leslie Charteris's popular character, the Saint--who has been played by several actors, most notably George Sanders--this 1997 film is more in keeping with the requirements of high-octane contemporary action than it is the requirements of a particular legacy. Val Kilmer plays Simon Templar, the mercenary spy, who is hired to steal a fusion formula but falls in love with the scientist (Elisabeth Shue) who cooked it up. Kilmer's portrayal bears little resemblance to Charteris's rakish hero, and the film itself becomes increasingly improbable and ponderous the longer it goes on. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

 The ulitmate date movie.....
"The Saint" starring Val Kilmer, is perhaps Hollywood's best effort yet to produce an action film that is of interest to someone other than just 16 year old males. The story is witty and engaging with plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer interest. The great disguises that were created for Val Kilmer's character and his techno gagetry add to the films "bond-esque" feel, while the romance with Elizabeth Shue's character is both engaging and central to the story, rather than an "eye candy" afterthought. It is the perfect date movie - something for both, car chases, suspense, things blowing up, and romance, humor and witty dialogue! Plus the movie features a KILLER soundtrack that both adds to the film and is a good listen on it's own. March 28, 2008

 The Saint
I did see the original series, but still really liked this movie. Val Kilmer made a great Simon Templar! I thought his multiple personalities embodied in his disguises were well done. The accents, languages, and mannerisms were also what were expected of him. There was a nice balance of romance and suspense, which is what made this highly enjoyable.
March 19, 2008

 Super Thief on the edge of Retirement
Val Kilmer does an awesome job as a super Thief that has lots of looks and tricks up his sleave. Hired by a corrupt Russian businessman to steal a formula to Cold Fussion for a British scientest whom he not only makes a connection with but eventually falls in love with. The originally play a little cat and mouse and join sides to fight the corrupt Russian. In the end he gives it up for her love.

A really good and clean movie that will pull you into the story. One for the library. December 31, 2007

 Good "spy" movie
The romance between Kilmer and Shue is extremely believable. The spy games and the basic plot are absurd, but the observer is able to suspend disbelief and join characters and creators alike on an imaginative journey of Intrigue, deception and discovery.

In Val Kilmer's repetoire, this is probably one of his most overlooked, if brilliant performances. Too, I think Shue is not given the credit as a serious actress that she deserves. Between her performance in this and Leaving Las Vegas, people should learn to take note of her.

A brilliant film that should have spawned a decent sequel but never did. June 29, 2007

 Val Kilmer is so smooth!
I loved this movie. It is not complete fantasy though, Val Kilmer's character is not your average untouchable action hero. He does make mistakes. He is one of the world's top thieves and is also a master of disguise, but this causes trouble for him early in the movie. He steals a cold fusion formula from a scientist played by Elisabeth Shue and has to choose stealing the formula over his love for Shue. He has to steal the formula because she would be hunted down if a humane person like Kilmer didn't steal it. After he sells it to the Russians they find the formula incomplete and he has to give them the missing link before they kill him. He also has to save Elisabeth Shue since they are back after her. There is much more going on in the movie and it is one wild ride!

4/5

The DVD from Paramount has good picture and sound quality. There is a director's commentary. April 27, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...