Gyllenhaal shines in an average mystery thriller

Rating: 9/10 (12 September 2016)

Okay, so I enjoyed this, perhaps less than I anticipated. And here's why.
I'd heard such good things about this movie that my expectations were too high. I'll just keep things simple and short (unlike this movie).
-The first hour was bland, and the second hour was incredible.
-Jake Gyllenhaal was outstanding, as were Dano, Davis and Howard.
-Hugh Jackman was not good. Overacting in some parts, stiff and wooden in others, though that might be down to the simplicity of his character and a lack of overall development.
-Writing was good, if a little plain.
-Some of the cinematography was really nice, especially the close up shots of Alex while he's trapped.
-I really enjoyed the ending. I loved how not everything was wrapped up in a simple bow like a lot of movies are: it represents reality and how things may work out, though not everything will. It also left the viewer to fill in the blanks for themselves, which I quite liked. Does Loki find Keller in the end? Does Keller die in the hole? Is Keller already dead in the hole? Who knows?
Should you watch this movie? Yes. Will you enjoy it? Maybe. Was it good? Yes. It all comes down to personal preference. This movie compared to the likes of Gyllenhaal's other best performances in my opinion, Zodiac and Nightcrawler, this fell short of the mark, though Jake was extraordinary yet again.