Beirut
Former U.S. Diplomat Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm) is called back in to service in Beirut to broker a deal that will ultimately aid in the release of an old friend and colleague, Cal (Mark Pellegrino). Trouble is, Mason hasn’t been the same since the death of his wife many years ago, an event that also took place in Beirut, a place he’d rather forget at the bottom of a bottle. Now, aided by CIA agent Sandy Crowder (Rosamund Pike), Mason will have to rely on every dirty trick in the book to work his diplomatic magic, even then, he might just be out of pixie dust. 
Written by Tony Gilroy and Directed by Brad Anderson, a pedigree that would suggest something between a Jason Bourne film clashed with an episode of Fringe, the right pieces appear to be in order on this game board; however, the downfall of this screenplay may in fact be that it’s trying too hard to look smart, twisty, turny, whatever, it just isn’t necessary. But never let the obscurity of a story stop the attempts and efforts of a solid ensemble. Hamm and Pike work effortlessly to assume their respective roles, and, the overall production of this period spy thriller certainly looks the part. It is unfortunate the overall politics of the region are lost in the mix and only referenced as passing comments, so much for clarification of that. Bottom line, if you were looking for a Middle East Bridge of Spies, with a bit more gunfire, welp, look no further, this one checks the boxes. Beirut is rated R.