I Make Movie Review-Duplicity

Those looking for proof that Julia Roberts is NOT another washed up forty-something doomed to romantic slop *COUGH MegRyan COUGH* need look no further than Duplicity, a consistently smart, occasionally frustrating drama that rests squarely on Ms. Pretty Woman's slender shoulders. Sure, she shares the screen with Clive Owen as Ray Koval, an ex-MI6 agent with whom she swaps beds and blueprints as they attempt to scam two competing CEO's (Tom Wilkinson, hamming it up, Paul Giamatti, hamming it up down and all-around). But although Owen is more than capable of keeping up, and the supporting cast earns five stars as well, this is Julia's show. Whether she's biting into Tony Gilroy's delicious dialogue or just letting her eyes say it all-a priceless, wordless confrontation with a floozy Ray banged to get information is some of Robert's best work ever-Roberts is back from her movie maternity leave, refreshed, a tad maturer, and ready to rumble. Even when the overcomplicated plot stoops into show-offy reveals or our heroes journey to one exotic locale too many (even if cinematographer Robert Elswit captures them beautifully), the Divine Miss R and her delightfully droll Brit sidekick are there to guide us to caper-movie paradise. Welcome back, Erin. Stay for good this time. B+