Review of Hanna (2011) by Russell G — 31 Jan 2013

I like the feel and presentation of this movie, but there is something lacking with the characters and that keeps it grounded. I really liked the action scenes and thought they were exciting. Even though Hanna is teenage girl super soldier it does not feel over the top at any point.

I only wished that things had not slowed down for as long as they do. More action and less focus on how maladjusted Hanna is would have dramatically improved this. The way the protagonist is written is too disconnected and cold for my taste, even if that is the point.

Saoirse Ronan is not to blame; she plays the part of creepy little killing machine like she is supposed to. Cate Blanchett was also right for her part as she exemplifies impersonal and cold, but her awkward southern diction felt forced.

Eric Banna is brings warmth as well as intensity and feeling to the cast is probably the strongest asset of the movie. The premise is good and the action is excellent, but the journey gets too far off track and away from the excitement.