"The International" ***1/2 (out of four): Taut conspiracy thriller is elevated above the ordinary thanks to Tom Tykwer's sharp direction and a typically rock solid performance by Clive Owen.

As America's hate-hate relationship with money continues, there may not be a better time to see "The International", a taut conspiracy thriller from "Run, Lola, Run" director Tom Tykwer. Though the ads tout the photogenic pairing of Clive Owen and Naomi Watts, this is really Mr. Owen's movie. The actor plays Lou Salinger, an Interpol agent who, in the opening minutes, witnesses the mysterious death of his partner. This incident, and the requisite misdiagnosis by the coroner, sends Lou down the rabbit hole where he discovers and elaborate conspiracy leading to the titular organization, the International Bank of Business and Credit (or IBBC).

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