July 20, 1994 -- ``True Lies'' is shaping up to be a monster summer hit, a big enough hit to bail 20th Century Fox out of the $100 million it took to make it.

In a way, it's too bad. ``True Lies''' success is a reward for some of Hollywood's worst traits. With $100 million they could have made a film with a little substance to it, but that's life.

``True Lies'' is about a spy, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is leading such a secret life that his wife, Helen, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, doesn't know about.

Helen, at the same time, is getting involved with a supposed secret agent (Bill Paxton) who is actually a used car salesman trying to seduce Helen. Helen feels she is leading a dull life and wants to live on the edge. She gets her wish. Into this strange story steps some Arab terrorists who obtain some former Soviet nuclear devices with which they plan to attack the U.S.

It sounds like a mess and it is, but director James Cameron makes it work, when the film doesn't get mired down in subplots it bounds along with great energy. The stunt work in this film is spectacular.

In addition to the usual explosions and chases, there are wonderful mid-air stunts in cars and airplanes. One scene of a truck flying off of an exploding bridge must have cost millions.

More than anything, ``True Lies'' resembles a James Bond film with its spectacular stunts and tongue-in-cheek humor. Tom Arnold, who plays Schwarzenegger's sidekick is surprisingly funny. Swarzenegger also takes a quick dig at his rival Sylvester Stallone, as has become the custom for both men their respective films in recent times.

This film has been criticized by some for being anti-Arab and sexist. Those are probably valid criticisms, but how can you take this film that seriously? ``True Lies'' is just plain old dumb entertainment. If the broad old-fashioned stereotypes of Arabs and women in this film might offend you, don't go. I think it's pretty harmless.

It rates a B.

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