Reviews

This is a movie I often don't recommend to any of my friends because I truly feel it takes someone with a certain level of appreciation for film and the patience to watch this plot unfold. Now I don't mean for that to come off as snobbish, but this is a movie that could easily be cast off as boring by people who are just looking for an entertaining film. However, if you are a person who possess some level of appreciation for film and would like to see a good, albeit slow tale, I would highly recommend this movie.

The first thing of note in this movie is Oscar Issac's performance. He plays Abel Morales, an entrepreneur who runs a fuel company. He is one of Hollywood's best rising stars, and he shows what he's got in this film. He gives a very subtle, even performance that is reflective of his character, and it works very well. Jessica Chastain is also very good as his wife, and her character's primary motivation is her children and their safety. I felt that she really cared about her kids.

I don'y want to go too much into the story because it is a good one. But the fine details of the story is not what matters. It is the intricacy of the characters that is the important aspect of this film. To see how hard Abel will work for his family and his legacy shows the drive of man, and a sort of twisted sense of the American dream.

Originally, I was planning on going to see Fantastic Four this weekend, but after hearing about what an abomination that was, I decided to see this film instead. And thank god I did.

What surprised me going into this film is that it was written, directed by, and starring Joel Edgerton. I've been a fan of the guy's acting ever since Warrior, but I was a little bit concerned about what he was going to bring to the table with his script and his camera-work. First things first, the script is very well written. It feels real, with touches of very good humor. But I was most impressed with his direction. Right off the bat you'll notice Edgerton's use of windows to build tension. I found myself constantly on the look out for Gordo, Edgerton's character, who is the main antagonist of the film. His long, sweeping, pan shots really build tension, and I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of scenes in this film. There were a couple of cheap jump scares, but for the most part, he never lets the tension break. He also gives a very good, very subtle performance. His character holds a lot of grief and dark secrets, and he is able to show that without overdoing it. All in all, hats off to Edgerton all around.

I have to talk about Jason Bateman as well. He is by far doing the best work of his career here. I totally forgot I was watching a primarily comedic actor. Also, Rebecca Hall gives a very good performance. The viewer primarily lives through her performance, as we see the story unfold just as she does. Great acting all around.

There is a big reveal in this movie, and it is very good. I'm not going to say anymore because I don't want to give anything away, but it's a film that really made me think, and I appreciate that. I'm urging people to see this. Its a great thriller with some very interesting themes.

I really wanted to love this film. The original Mission: Impossible was a great action flick that actually made me think. This movie unfortunately took everything I loved about the first one and tossed it out the window. Gone is the semi-cohesive plot that gets your brain working. It's replaced with one of the most by the numbers, boring, script I've ever seen put to the screen. Woo's direction is typical of him, with a lot of slo-mo shots and ridiculous shootouts. There are some decent looking action scenes, including a well done motorcycle chase scene, although it is completely ruined by the scenes end. My biggest problem with this film is the complete shift in tone. Ethan Hunt is made to look more like a James Bond character and less like himself. It is very clear that this film was the only one that was this way because by the time Abrams took over for M:I3, we were back to the same old Ethan. All in all, this film is a failed attempt to make the Mission: Impossible series "cool", when in fact, it was "cool" all along.