The Double - 2011

Hyde Park Entertainment, Agent Two, Brandt/Haas Productions

Directed by Michael Brandt

Cast:

• Paul Shepherdson – Richard Gere
• Ben Geary – Topher Grace
• Tom Highland – Martin Sheen
• Bozlovski – Tamer Hassan
• Brutus – Stephen Moyer
• Oliver – Chris Marquette
• Natalie Geary – Odette Annable
• Amber – Stana Katic
• Leo – Yuri Sardarov
• Sen. Dennis Darden – Ed Kelly
• Agent Weaver – Jeffrey Pierce

Story: A cold war assassin previously thought dead, code named Cassius, has appeared to come out of retirement with the killing of a diplomat in the nation's capitol. FBI director Highland orders retired Special Agent Paul Shepherdson out of retirement. Shepherdson was the man who tracked Cassius and his crew of trained assassins for more than twenty years, but never caught him. But Director Highland thinks he is still the man for the job. Highland teams Shepherdson with Ben Geary, an analyst whose master's thesis was on Cassius. The two pursue leads, always one step behind the killer, who kills with a most unique cut to the throat. They soon discover there is a leak, but who?

Review: Lots of turns and twists in this fast paced tale of spies and espionage. Richard Gere and Topher Grace work well together in this excellently crafted spy thriller. The entire cast works as an ensemble to present a tale worthy of your interest. Without revealing too much, it is safe to tell you this story deals with what happened to the agents in the field at the fall of the Soviet Union and whatever became of the KGB. Odette Annable is remarkable as Topher's wife, and gives us the impression of the clean cut, all American wife supporting her FBI husband. Martin Sheen is, as always, remarkable in his portrayal of the FBI Director. Overall, the cinematography and photography are crisp and clear, the plot is excellent, and the film is an exceptional effort to keep your attention. Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, and language, I can safely recommend this one to the parents for a good family film, as long as the little ones are in bed. Be prepared for the last 10 minutes of the film, you won't see it coming. Collectible, too soon to tell, but it ranks right up there with Bond and Bourne.