True Lies (1994)

The critic calls it a glorious self-parody and unbeatably good fun that succeeds where other Schwarzenegger efforts failed, thanks to its over-the-top tone and Cameron's action set pieces. She singles out the spectacular final half-hour with helicopters, limos and Harrier jets as a heart-stopping highlight.

The critic praises the spectacular action sequences, strong comedy from Tom Arnold and Jamie Lee Curtis's transformation into a confident hero. Despite noting the film's implausibility and sexist elements, it is called unbeatable entertainment on an excitement level.

Praises the inventive and audacious action sequences and Cameron's mastery of the form but criticizes the overly long runtime, the unconvincing adultery subplot, and the perfunctory plot.

The critic praises the film as a rare, fun, and technically impressive standalone action-comedy that holds up for its set pieces and lightness. It notes the film's controversial elements around gender and stereotypes but defends its entertainment value and Curtis's performance.

Half the film delivers fast, crude hi-tech action with explosions and cartoon violence to satisfy baser instincts. The middle marital crisis section is amusing thanks to Curtis's performance despite its offensive take on relationships, while the finale offers neck-breaking violence.

Highlights Cameron's imaginative action set pieces and the film's self-kidding elements but argues that crudeness, mean-spiritedness, and especially the humiliating treatment of women undercut the entertainment value.

Finds the film an odd mix of expensive action spectacle and a crude, misogynistic middle section about marital deception; praises the thrills at the beginning and end but is unsettled by the tone and treatment of women.

The critic deems the film a disastrous mess and reverse masterpiece of everything that can go wrong, an incoherent explosion of genres and clichés with no sense of audience engagement. He singles out the waste of Cameron's talents and only praises Tom Arnold's sidekick performance amid the chaos.

The critic finds the film a box-office powerhouse thanks to its explosive action sequences in Cameron's signature style. It balances big-screen thrills with a touching comedic subplot about the spy's home life and marriage.

The critic finds True Lies entertaining and well-balanced as an action-comedy, with strong set pieces and performances that keep viewers grinning throughout. They single out the chemistry and delivery from Schwarzenegger, Curtis and Tom Arnold, along with inventive chases and the film's self-aware tone.