Originally written for Tom Cruise, Salt was re-tooled for Jolie, and the result is arguably her finest pure action performance. She plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. She goes on the run to clear her name—or is she actually trying to complete her mission?
Hand-to-hand combat, gunplay, explosives, car chases Jolie and Brad Pitt play married assassins. The famous “kitchen fight” is a brutal, clever brawl (knives, appliances, physical throws). Later, a running gun battle through a home improvement store. Stunt-heavy, with Jolie reloading and rolling like a pro.
It is an early example of her ability to command the screen in a fast-paced environment. Why Angelina Jolie is the Ultimate Action Star
Forest fire escape, knife fights, hand-to-hand combat, gunfire A return to raw, practical action. Jolie plays a smokejumper. She fights a trained killer in a burning forest, uses terrain as a weapon, and endures real falls. No wires, no CGI body — just gritty survival.
Today, as the MCU and DC universes churn out digital spectacle, the raw, physical work of Angelina Jolie stands apart. She paved the way for Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Charlize Theron (Furiosa), and Ana de Armas (Ballergirl). Without Jolie’s Lara Croft swinging a pickaxe through a ceiling, the modern female action hero likely would not exist.
is currently in production, promising even more high-stakes drama on the horizon. Which Jolie action era is your favorite? Are you a fan of the classic Tomb Raider days, or do you prefer her more grounded work in If you'd like, I can: ranked list of these films based on critic scores. Find where these movies are currently streaming detailed review of one specific film.
