Worth the Wait

Rating: 10/10 (21 October 2006)

Like the reviewer before me, I've been ready and waiting for this film from the moment I heard about it. The stars, all favorites of mine. The director, amazing. And the cherry on top--Bowie. Unlike my fellow reviewer, I was astounded and satisfied. Performances were top-notch all around, direction was masterful, and the script! Can we talk about the intricate, subtle, mind-bending way the story was constructed? Yes, it is a little on the challenging side, and that's what makes it great. Anything less would have been boring and predictable. But the writing here kept me guessing and led me in directions I sometimes wasn't prepared for. Like Memento, that other masterstroke from the brothers Nolan, the story lines intertwine in time, which always keeps the viewer wondering how the characters got to where (you think) you know they're going.
And then there was Bowie. He's been woefully absent from the big screen for too long, and this role was built for him. Seriously one of the best entrance scenes ever, and one only Bowie could pull off. Bale, as always, blows me away with his ability to fully inhabit his character. Jackman impresses again, though I don't know that I am surprised, since he has proved his talent time and again. Caine is an institution unto himself. Rebecca Hall rises beautifully to the task bringing the tortured wife(?) to life. And Johansson--amazing. She is learning more with every role and I can only look forward to a long and interesting career.
Run, don't walk to this one. And don't blink while you're there.