Before Midnight Review
CAROLINE: I know people are talking about big Memorial Day franchises in the form of Fast & Furious 6 and The Hangover 3; but the sequel I’m most excited about this weekend is Before Midnight, the third in an awesome indie-franchise starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
RYAN: You may find it shocking to know that I’ve never seen any of these movies.
CAROLINE: Gasp! That is a horror. If nothing else, you must see Before Sunset, which was one of my favorite movies of 2004.
RYAN: I’ve heard you say that before. What makes these movies so great?
CAROLINE: Well, I actually saw the second one before I saw the first one, which didn’t really matter. I liked the first one though it’s a bit dated at this point. The second one is a masterpiece as far as I’m concerned.
RYAN: And now the third?
CAROLINE: I really liked it too. I don’t think it beats Before Sunset for me, but it’s very good. As usual the dialogue is stellar and the acting is top-notch.
RYAN: Don’t Julie and Ethan write the script together?
CAROLINE: Yes, with director Richard Linklater. Before Midnight shows their relationship now that they’re – spoiler alert – married with kids. It’s so true to life it’s almost depressing.
RYAN: How so?
CAROLINE: They just don’t sugar coat married life at all. They show how hard it can be, how frustrating, the fights, etc. The second movie took place in real time and this one is close to real time, which makes for a cool movie-going experience.
RYAN: I always enjoy that.
CAROLINE: Plus is takes place in Greece so the scenery is gorge.
RYAN: Is anyone else famous in it?
CAROLINE: No, it’s mostly some foreign actors. It really focuses on Julie and Ethan’s relationship and their struggles. It may sound boring but I’m probably not doing it justice. It’s definitely a ‘talky’ movie, but such a great relationship dramedy. I’m so glad they made a third one and I hope they continue to make them.
RYAN: They really waited a long time for this sequel, huh?
CAROLINE: Yeah, there were 9 years between the first and second and another 9 between the second and third. They may even do another one, but it’ll be a while till that happens.
RYAN: Let me guess – 9 years.
CAROLINE: Ha, probably. I know everyone is going to see the blockbuster movies this weekend, but I highly recommend this one. For fans of the franchise, it’s not to be missed. And anyone else who hasn’t seen the previous two movies, do yourself a favor and rent them, and then go see this.
