It's hard not to like a Ridley Scott film, especially when it's written by the same guy who wrote The Departed and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. Unfortunately, things never really gel between these big names and the film feels half-baked as a result.
With so much potential, including an appealing (on paper) story, Body of Lies can only be called a disappointment, despite the various thrills it manages to deliver. Scott provides plenty of his textbook explosions and excitement, but his stars feel tired and underdeveloped. A good deal of blame falls on the script, which never quite feels smooth, but DiCaprio and Crowe additionally never find their groove.
Body of Lies is interesting enough to keep watching, but you know that the film's contributors are capable of better work. The promise of them returning to form remains strong, even if this go-round isn't their best.