Review of Before Midnight (2013) by Dave J — 29 Mar 2015

After two very well crafted entries in this trilogy with the second film really leaving the audience hanging, I was praying this last film did not flop. Once again Richard Linklater hits on such a real level.

Where as the first two movies seemed only full of happiness and joy, this last one touched on this aspect however, half way through the film it took a deep turn. This couple has been romanticized throughout the first two movies that to see them at such odds with each other made for a great third movie.

This movie depicts real adult couples with real struggles and how to balance what everyone wants in life. Linklater quite nicely again uses elongated scenes that truly make the viewer feel like a fly on a wall of this random couple's hotel room.

It does not feel like a film, but actual lives put to screen. The constant bickering and perfect tense changes is almost painful to watch and fascinating at the same time. This entry in my opinion puts Hawke's Jesse in the spotlight as the hero as Celine seems to be unnecessarily causing most of the battles between the two.

That leads me to the only negative of this film which is its re-watchability factor. Before Sunrise does a great job as I do see myself watching it several times in the future. I wish I could say the same for Before Midnight however, the second part of this film consists of practically one stretched out scene which is made up of almost seventy percent a fight.

Although true and real to the characters and relationships themselves, it may just be too much to swallow a second time around. The first film was so much fun where this one is slightly on the heavier side.

I do still consider it a must watch for fans of Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, and this series of films.