Review Blue Jasmine

Title: Blue Jasmine

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins, Peter SarsgaardRuntime: 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, or at least what’s left of it. You see following all these events Jasmine had a nervous breakdown and just starts going off on a 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 a new boyfriend who wants to move in together. One problem, however, is that one of the people hurt by her conniving husband was her sister's 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 seems 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 make 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 neurosis is simply too overmatched 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 Sarsgaard's turn here. Really awesome job.