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He’s been a terminator, an alien hunter, and a kindergarten cop. He’s flexed on as the Barbarian, Conan, and provided the world with a much too underrated classic as a frustrated dad stalking down a Christmas toy inJingle All the Way. In his storied career in films that cross the genres of both action and comedy,Arnold Schwarzeneggerhas built an impressive catalog of films. But with the 1994 classicTrue Lies,Arnold Schwarzenegger first proved his comedic chops and his abounding physical expertise in one of his best films…that’s not sci-fi. And now, thanks to Tubi, you can streamTrue Liesfor free.
True Liesis a comedic action film that sees Schwarzenegger as a spy who finds his personal and professional life collide in a battle to prevent a terrorist from setting off nuclear arms. The film was written and directed by James Cameron (ofTitanic,Aliens, andAvatarfame) and is based on the French filmLa Totale.True Liesis the third collaboration between the noted filmmaker and Schwarzenegger after their wildly successful pairingin the sci-fi filmsTerminatorandTerminator 2. With a 76% fresh audience score on Rotten Tomatoes,True Liesis thehighest-rated non-science fictionSchwarzenegger film on the website’s ratings and ranks #7 in areview of James Cameron’s films.
Jamie Lee Curtis Excels as a Latent Asset in True Lies
True Liessees Schwarzenegger as Harry Tasker, a secret agent whose family believes him to be an ordinary computer salesman. After his return from an assignment, Harry begins to suspect that his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) ishaving an affairwith a mysterious man named Simon. Using his agency’s resources to discover the truth, both Harry and Helen unexpectedly find themselves facing off against their unraveling secrets and pulled into a terrorist’s plot to acquire nuclear arms. What follows is a fun and tense action-filled adventure that shows both Schwarzenegger andCurtis at their best. Jamie Lee Curtis earned a Golden Globe for her performance as the mild-mannered Helen, the seemingly timid character yearning for adventure and embracing it wholeheartedly once it arrives.
Why True Lies May Be James Cameron’s Most Underrated Movie
True Lies remains an underrated movie amid other blockbusters made by James Cameron, like Titanic and Avatar, despite being a great movie.
Curtis' physical comedy excels in this film. Her awkward performance as Helen’s mousey nature conflicts with the danger chaser she wants to be is palpable as the film progresses. The devolving of her innocence and ignorance resonates with the viewer as she is pulled wide-eyed into the world of spies and espionage. It is a chaotically enjoyable journey and perfectly reflects the viewer’s experience. The relationship between Harry (Schwarzenegger) and Helen (Curtis) is the power of this film, and the play of their characters through the portrayal by both actors is done exceedingly well.
Schwarzenegger Shows a Steely Strength
Arnold Schwarzenegger flexes his comedic muscles as the leading man. As evidenced by his previous films at the time, his physical capability is never in doubt. However, against the brutal strength of some of his other roles, Schwarzenegger is completely convincing in the more subtle role of a secret agent. He is in control and measured; with a steely glint in his eye that denotes his power, he is as charming and intriguing as all professional chameleons must be. His role as Harry allowed the actor to show a softer and more complex view of his character’s range as the seasoned spy grapples with the uncertainty of domestic upheaval. And to that end, Schwarzenegger delivers.
He’s also quite funny in it.Harry’s straight-laced character shows a cutting sense of humor that provides relief in some of the film’s tenser moments. Tom Arnold stars as Albert Gibson, Harry’s wise-cracking friend and colleague who provides many of the film’s laugh-out-loud moments. However, there are many moments in the movie where the situational comedy has its own rewards. Harry’s outlandish and increasingly desperate antics to catch the terrorist, Helen’s first foray into the espionage world, as well as a moment of miscommunication over a bridge, are examples of the successful use of character placement to provoke comedy. WhileTrue Liesdoes not have some of the bombastic flare as some ofSchwarzenegger’s other films, its foray into the domestic quarrels of a secret agent’s life proves a perfect foil to the action playing out on screen.
Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Became James Cameron’s ‘Village Idiot’ While Filming True Lies
James Cameron revealed why he called Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘the village idiot’ on the set of True Lies film.
A financial success at the box office,True Lieswas the first film to cost over $100 million. The film would go on and make a reported $378 million in its worldwide run and become one of the highest-grossing films of 1994. The first film from James Cameron’s multi-million dollar production deal with 20th Century Fox,True Liesis a smooth and funny action-packed adventure that is well worth checking out. Both Schwarzenegger and Curtis are powerful leads in a lively take on domestic quarrels and international espionage.True Liesalso stars Tia Carrere, Elisa Dushku, and Bill Paxton.True Liesis streaming for free onTubi.
