Review of Before Midnight (2013) by Craig T — 27 Nov 2013

There are many films that we see that make us want more. There are even fewer that are able to pull off a sequel, even fewer that can make two sequels. We have followed the characters of Jesse and Celeste from the very beginning of a journey that we hoped would last forever and one that we hoped we would get to see.

Fortunately, we have and Before Midnight lets us in on what is the cinematic end to a great love affair. I did not get the chance to revisit them prior to my viewing of Before Midnight but their story is one of my favorites so it is very clear in my mind.

I had such high hopes as the third installment was also written by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy like the previous. Overall I was not happy with the film especially the script and the characters. I did expect to see Celeste and Jesse in a happier place, more fairy tale I suppose, instead they are just an everyday unhappily married with kids couple.

They haven't seem to grow with each other and for each other. Celeste, for as much as she is a free spirit she is more of a jump to conclusion, just leave me and the kids, I know thats what you want anyway blah blah blah.

.. complainer. I was actually hoping Jesse would leave her at some point. The movie does end in typical Before fashion, but I have to admit I wasn't thrilled to have seen their lives. I always did know that he doesn't get on that plane at the end of Before Sunset but I wasn't happy with their decisions and path.

I'd rather keep the story I made in my head. The one thing that I did love was the music in the film was her song that she sings playing lightly throughout. For those that are fans of the series must see it but it isn't necessary.