SYNOPSIS: Raised by her father (Eric Bana of Star Trek), an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Finland, Hanna’s upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.

REVIEW: Jason Bourne meets Hanna Montana . . . no, just kidding about the Montana part but the rest is true. (I really apologize; it was just there for the taking). This is a lot like a young girl version of the Bourne series. This movie is well made. You can tell it is a quality production. The cinematography is excellent. The action scenes are intense, fast, and exhilarating. There is mystery, suspense, and thrills along with just the right music to match. The story on the other hand, although interesting, does push the envelope. The concept is pretty neat but the makers tried too hard to dramatize it to the point that some moments in the movie seemed to drag. It could have used a little more action and less drama. One of the characteristics of this film that helps keep it going is the cast. Everyone was sharp and added to the overall effect of the film. There is a certain group of actors that just can’t do a bad job even if they tried. Cate Blanchett is a member of that group. She was scary cold and calculated but the American accent she was using seemed a little inconsistent and was a bit distracting. I can’t believe I just said something negative about a Cate Blanchett performance. I do believe that Eric Bana doesn’t get enough credit for his acting abilities. I think he is a much better actor than most people think. His role in this movie is not that big, but still very effective. Another even smaller supporting role was superbly portrayed by Jessica Barden, a random girl that befriends Hanna while she is on the run. One of Tom Hollander’s most memorable roles is that of Cutler Beckett in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3. He also turns in another cold and calculated performance as a gun for hire. And then there is Saoirse Ronan in the title role. I remember her most from Atonement due to the fact that it was a memorable performance, no doubt. I mean, you know, she got an Oscar nomination for it, so, yeah, she can act. She does not disappoint in this one, at all. But really, a death defying, CIA agent whopping, sharp shooting, pitiless, scrawny young teenage girl sent into a world she doesn’t know and expected to survive? Yes, she actually pulls it off which not many young actresses could have done as effectively as she did. It doesn’t hurt that her big beautiful blues are hypnotizing and add to her cold character. Can you imagine? What an upbringing and what a concept.

The movie as a whole is intelligent and intriguing including the dialogue, the story, the cast, and their performances. The way the story was told, however, slowed it down a few times. But here is the revelation and the reason for the attention to drama . . . the Director of this film, Joe Wright, also directed Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, and The Soloist. Ah, it is coming into focus now. So actually, this is a departure for Mr. Wright to delve into a grittier action story. Well, now that we have shed more light on the film, I say well done Mr. Wright. I still would have liked a little more action though.

MORE MOVIE REVIEWS >>>