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"Traitor" achieves something that would seem impossible. It presents Muslim characters in a positive light while raising the paranoia level of non-Muslim viewers about the followers of Islam.

Talk about can't win for losing.

A thriller that blends a post-9/11 war-on-terror scenario with improvements on elements of "Rendition" and "Telefon," "Traitor" keeps moviegoers on their toes with its myriad characters, globe-trotting and sleight-of-hand plotting. It succeeds as both cinematic escape and current-events conversation starter.

Having the reliable and engaging Don Cheadle in the title role gives "Traitor" an advantage. Cheadle plays Samir Horn, a Sudanese-born American citizen who is introduced as he's trying to sell detonators to a terrorist group in Yemen.

As FBI agents Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Max Archer (Neal McDonough) take a closer look at Horn, they notice that his travels and activities sync with several terror attacks. His Sudanese father was killed in a car bombing, and Horn's religion and military training seem a perfect match for the kind of anti-American zealot who could be facilitating atrocities.

Horn's precipitous escape from Yemen bonds him with Omar (Said Taghmaoui), a fellow true believer in the Koran. Financed by a Muslim businessman, Fareed (Aly Khan), based in London, they go after more targets that will shake the security of Americans abroad and at home. And as they do, Clayton becomes even more convinced that Horn is the key to a huge terror operation.

Written by director Jeffrey Nachmanoff and based on a story by the director and Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin), "Traitor" does not allow viewers to doze or daydream. It demands full attention as it unveils characters and relationships against far-flung backdrops in (or standing in for) Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

The more Horn is on-screen, the clearer it becomes that he is a man of faith and integrity. While other characters may adapt for expediency, Horn is a moral anchor.

Cheadle is cast perfectly in the role. He exudes Horn's commitment, through nuance and forcefulness, and stands out even against the excellent Pearce and Taghmaoui.

The entire cast, which also includes Jeff Daniels, Archie Panjabi and Raad Rawi, is top-notch.

Director of photography J. Michael Muro makes the intense action a visceral experience as Nachmanoff pieces the puzzle together. "Traitor" grabs the audience's hearts and minds and never lets go.