Review - Deja Vu

[howeird]

No spoilers here, mostly because any description of the plot would be a spoiler. This is a superbly written/acted/directed film, the first time in ages where I did not even think of looking at my watch, which is saying a lot for a 2-hour film.

The action opens at the Algiers ferry pier across the river from New Orleans, and is set in present-day. Major kudos for shooting in NOLA, and for showing neighborhoods still ravaged by Katrina. I went with a friend who grew up in Algiers, which made it a wee bit more poignant for me, but the message is strong even without that connection.

Denzel Washington delivers a great performance, and only the somewhat type-casting of the role would make it short of Oscar-worthy. Ditto the leading lady, played by Paula Patton. Think "Halle Berry plays the girl next door". I would be surprised if this does not get nominated for best editing, cinematography, screenplay, sound and best supporting actor for Val Kilmer.

The more I want to say about the film, the more I realize I would be spoiling it for those who have not seen it. Suffice to say it's a police thriller with a twist which most of my LJ friends will appreciate.

See it.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_oy_/]

Thanks for the review. I was interested in this movie, but haven't heard much about it (not many people I know have seen it yet). I'll certainly reconsidering seeing it.

[howeird]

One reason you may not have heard much about it is it just opened. And it is decidedly NOT a Christmas movie - it takes place on Mardi Gras day. I'm guessing they released it now instead of a more appropriate mid-January to try to catch the holiday trade.

It's hard to tell what kind of movies people will enjoy, but I'll say that I am not much for thrillers, and Denzel and Kilmer I can take or leave, but this movie still had me on the edge of my seat for the whole 2 hours.