blackhat
2015 review number 4:
Blackhat: (Drama/Action): 55 out of 100: One can easily lose interest in this film with all the technical jargon. It's the world of cyber espionage and if you have little or no idea about computer language then it's best to stay away from this movie. If you have a fair idea then the execution of the plot might have you feeling a little non-plussed.
Chris Hemsworth (Nicholas Hathaway) plays the felon convicted of hacking crimes, who is released early from prison to help the authorities to hunt down the mastermind of a high level cyber crime that has played havoc with the world's stock markets. He teams up with an old Chinese college friend (Chen Dawai played by Leehom Wang) who is now a detective along with his sister (Chen Lien portrayed by Wei Tang). Viola Davis rounds off the main cast playing Carol Barrett, the FBI agent in charge of supervising Hathaway.
It is not exactly an A-list cast but their acting actually rises above the plodding story. For a film about espionage there aren't many thrills until the action heats up. Michael Mann is the director who has made some brilliant films in "Heat", "Collateral" and "The Insider" but this time around he is not in fine form. The shaky cam even during some dramatic scenes along with several slow motion sequences are a distraction rather than a plus. There's also numerous scenes of the cables inside a computer which only slow the movie down.
All the actors are convincing delivering dialogue that might not be understood by half the audience. Chris Hemsworth shows why he is another Aussie who has made it big overseas while Wei Tang has finally made another international film after her sensational and sexy debut in 2006's "Lust, Caution". Their romantic union might not always be convincing but they do act with distinction. Viola Davis can always be called on to be a reliable and dependable actress and she does so again in her role as an FBI agent.
With the team tracking down the criminals, this gives the chance for the film to utilise scenic locations in Hong Kong and Jakarta. There are some stunning aerial views of the Hong Kong landscape and harbour. One cannot be disappointed with the cinematography.
"Blackhat" won't appeal to a wide audience and that has been reflected in its opening weekend at the US box office. With a less technical script and more tension in the plot, the film had the potential to do better.
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Wei Tang and Viola Davis
(133 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, violence, drug use and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ1ZDlLImF80 (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Monday 19th January, 2015)
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