FilmSnobReviews

Title: Blue Jasmine

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins, Peter Sarsgaard

Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins

What It Is: Jasmine (Blanchett) is a recently widowed wife of a millionaire (played by Adam Baldwin) who went to jail for several white collar crimes. She’s now living with her sister (Hawkins) in San Francisco, and trying to pick up the pieces of her life, at least what’s left of it. You see following all these events Jasmine had a nervous breakdown, and just starts going off on tangent conversation with herself, or any unlucky bystander around her. Meanwhile upon her arrival in San Francisco she has to deal with all the stuff going on with her sister, and new boyfriend who want to move in together. One problem however is that one of the people hurt by her conniving husband was her sisters ex-husband (played wonderfully by Andrew Dice Clay). This among other issues are things Jasmine must deal with. Situations like having to get a job, or using a computer which seem easy to you or I are almost an impossibility for this formerly pampered ex-socialite.

What We Think: Blanchett has been receiving mass amounts of praise for her work here, and I think a majority of it is warranted. She may or may not depending on if we’re right or not win the Oscar for Best Actress. Regardless everyone in this film brings their game up to the level of their director, and Allen repays them by giving us his usual troupe of strong, complex female characters, brilliantly drawn out cuts, and quick funny quips. The way Allen goes from the present Jasmine’s anxiety and despair into a flashback of her former glory really makes every wound sting all the more.

Our Grade: B-, While it has some laughs it isn’t as good as “Midnight in Paris”. I believe it’s neurosci is simply too over matched by anything to really make this film better for me. Blanchett, and Hawkins shine here, and great performances overshadow a boring screenplay with a formulaic falling action. The ending is nice, as it isn’t a standard bow on top. And special mention on the always underrated Sarsgaards turn here. Really awesome job.