Movie Review - Before Midnight

Before Midnight **** ( R) Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke return for Round 3 in this cerebral series that started with 1995's Before Sunrise, and continued in 2004's Before Sunset. We rejoin the international couple nine years later on sort of a working summer vacation in Greece, staying with a colleague. Delpy is on the verge of a major career change that conflicts with a similarly significant move Hawke is considering. Fans of the first two will be completely satisfied with this further stage of their relationship in every respect. The script (co-written by the stars with director Richard Linklater) is a fine example of realistically intelligent, emotionally satisfying dialogue, uttered by flawlessly crafted characters. Most members of the audience would love to join this cast at its dining tables, and throughout the idyllic rural settings hosting most of the action.

As before, the film is long on conversations, with topics ranging from the specifics of the characters’ relationships to observations about many aspects of life spanning several cultures. These are people who have learned much from life, still have flaws and foibles, and realize they remain works in progress. For anyone seeking headier fare than the broad comedies and big-scale action flicks that abound each summer, it would be hard to top this choice. Those who haven’t seen, or don’t clearly recall, the earlier films will have little trouble catching up with the players and their backstories. This is the kind of movie actual grownups (and artsy pretenders) complain that no one makes any more. Well, folks, someone did. Stop assuming the worst, buy a ticket, and enjoy. (6/14/13)