Guy Pearce is a by-the-book FBI agent with a subtle southern accent. He's in charge of investigating a dangerous international conspiracy, and all clues seem to lead back to former U.S. Special Operations officer, Don Cheadle. Cheadle is a mysterious figure with a web of connections to terrorist organizations, and his knack for emerging on the scene just as a major operation goes down does him no favors.

The inter-agency task force looking into the case meets with Jeff Daniels, a veteran CIA contractor who seemingly has his own agenda and Neal McDonough, a fellow FBI agent who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. The task force links Cheadle to a prison break in Yemen, a bombing in Nice, and a raid in London, but a tangle of contradictory evidence emerges, forcing Pearce to question whether Cheadle is a disaffected former military operative ... or something far more complicated. Obsessed with discovering the truth, Pearce tracks Cheadle across the globe as the elusive ex-soldier burrows deeper and deeper into a world of shadows and intrigue. Betrayal of some sort ensues.

Boasting a solid cast, an adequate story, and a couple of unexpected happenings, Traitor provides viewers with approximately 85-90 minutes of entertainment. Unfortunately, this is a 114-minute movie. It's solid filmmaking, but there's something missing. There's no oomph. No pizzazz. No "wow factor." It brought the kit, but what happened to the caboodle?

The film starts with a compelling story, but as it starts to drag in parts it starts to lose its focus. I was never really bored though. The strong acting and the undercurrent of deliberate storytelling kept my interest tuned in, eager for all the revelations, but I think I finally am able to put my finger on what didn't completely work for me. I wanted more cat-and-mouse between Pearce and Cheadle. A little matching of wits. Cheadle's character is kept wrapped in mystery, so I felt Pearce should have been developed as a stronger protagonist. A hero that could make middle America jump up off their chairs, raise their filthy, fat little hands in the air, and scream.

He had no real payoff. Very little back-story. He showed up from time to time to ask questions, but why not have him keep Cheadle on his heels? Why was there no back-and-forth between the two? Have the two constantly one-upping each other. I felt his character should have been more of a centerpiece, but he felt like more of a plot necessity.

And while the story is certainly adequate; it's not strong enough in the genre to stand on its own without the aide of a few more action sequences. This is no Memento, folks. It can't stand on its plot alone. The Bourne series has set the spy action genre pretty high, and an attempt to deliver a comparable excitement level would have definitely benefited the film.

Overall, it's pretty good. Not great. I was entertained. Not blown away. Would I pay $9+ and make it an evening screening? No. But I'd be fine if I paid for a matinee or rental. So check your expectations at the door and make sure you give your attention span a tune up prior to seeing it.

Strangely, Steve Martin (yes, THAT Steve Martin) came up with the story idea. But this quote from the press kit disturbed me:

"Traitor began its journey to the big screen when Steve Martin presented an intriguing idea to producer David Hoberman while they were working together on the blockbuster comedy Bringing Down the House."

Does Martin really want people to know he came up with the idea while working on Bringing Down the House? Does Martin really want to be reminded that he was in Bringing Down the House?

Don Cheadle learned to speak Arabic for the film.

The film was shot in 48 days on a modest budget.

Big deal. This review was written in less than a day on an even more modest budget.

Guy Pearce was in L.A. Confidential with Russell Crowe who was in American Gangster with Josh Brolin who was in Hollow Man with Kevin Bacon.

Rated PG-13 for intense violent sequences, the always scandalous thematic material, and brief language, Traitor's content isn't all that bad. There's one "f" bomb, a few "s" bullets, and that's about it. No nudity. There are a few PG-13 caliber explosions and deaths so you might want to think twice before taking the kids. Well, the kids would likely be bored, so unless you want a bad tie for Christmas then you better just leave 'em at home.

The trailer showcases explosions, political intrigue, and thrills galore. While the film does periodically offer these elements, it also offers its share of slow stretches. Just a word of warning - one of the trailers I watched gave away more spoilers than you likely want to be exposed to.

Traitor, while lacking a little in action and a truly strong protagonist, presents a story that's solid, if not spectacular. The acting and desire for the film's revelations will keep your interest, but I wouldn't make it anything more than a matinee.