It’s been six years since Julia Roberts’ name has been the lead in a film (she’s had smaller roles in films like “Charlie Wilson’s War” and “Ocean’s 12”), but the now 41-year-old former “Pretty Woman” shows she can still carry the load with her latest, “Duplicity.”

Paired with Clive Owen and working with the creator of “Michael Clayton” – Tony Gilroy – Roberts shines in this complex and intelligent thriller.

Roberts plays Claire Stenwick, an ex-CIA operative who hooks up with an ex-MI6 operative named Ray Koval (Owen).

Together they hatch a plan to pull off the ultimate con job, looking to swindle a pair corporate honchos (Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson).

Gilroy, whose script for “Michael Clayton” was a smart and entertaining film for adult audiences, has once again delivered a screenplay that sizzles and entertains. The film is reminiscent of “The Sting” with plenty of twists and turns that build to a rather satisfying – and unpredictable – finale.

The cast is up to the challenge – especially Roberts and Owen. The pair have star quality chemistry and make a rather believable, yet highly glamorous couple. Wilkinson and Giamatti also shine in their limited screen time.

If I had one complaint about “Duplicity,” it would be that it may actually be too complex for its own good – a film that you really have to stay focused on to understand who is one-upping who.

At the same time, that is part of the joy of Gilroy’s film. Sure it is fun to be entertained and be able to put the brain on autopilot, but I like a film not afraid to challenge its audience.

“Duplicity” does that, and in the process delivers one of the more pleasant surprises of early 2009.

DVD dandy of the week

Keeping with the theme of challenging its audience, this week’s dandy is the French thriller “Tell No One” (A-), a sharp and crafty experience that was among the best films of 2008.

Adapted from a novel by Harlan Coben, the film tells the story of Alexandre Beck (Francois Cluzet), a pediatrician whose wife is brutally murdered.

At first he is considered the prime suspect, but is eventually cleared.

Flash forward to eight years later and Alexandre appears to have moved on from the tragic event. But that changes when he gets an e-mail from someone claiming to be his deceased wife.

The e-mail sends Alexandre on a mad scramble to find out what really happened – the doctor soon comes under the suspicions of local police once again.

Using Coben’s novel, writer/director Guillaume Canet has crafted a thriller that really pays homage to the classic Alfred Hitchcock mold.

This is an intense film, highlighted by a great chase sequence, with plenty of twists and turns that make this a fun little movie experience.

“Tell No One” is not rated, but features some language, nudity and violence. It will be available Tuesday on DVD.

— Between women’s basketball, feature films and the occasional midafternoon nap, sportswriter/movie reviewer Micheal Compton checks his e-mail. Add your voice to his inbox by sending yours to mcompton@bgdailynews.com.