Blackhat (2015)

Although I didn't have high expectations going into this film, it still managed to be so disappointing, slow and boring, I couldn't even finish the film to the end. I really didn't care what happened. Some of the main problems for this film is the slow boring pace, the lack of real action, and the absolute wrong casting for this film. Sorry, but Chris Hemsworth is not convincing one bit as a hacker. It's a very generous 6/10 from me.

OK.This is not a quick moving film. And you have to be careful to follow and pay attention because the director moves quickly and at a high level.The writing is clean, the editing always serves the very tight feeling the Director is crafting.The best things about this film revolve around the actors. Viola is fun to watch, and the Chinese (?) Cast bring a certain unpredictability to the film.The main character arch is the problem. We don't know him, we get no background - he's unbelievable, and though Chris tries his best, they really should have moved him as far away from being recognisable as possible. Here he's half Thor/half Jason Bourne and unsuccessful as either.The film however, holds its own. It is authentic, it is terse without being loud and it's well made.Pour a Brandy turn down the lights and quiet down. It will reward you with a slow burning, satisfying feeling. It's never riveting but always solid. Like a good Brandy.

I have mixed feelings about this. It's not particularly well written and on the Netflix version I watched I had to adjust volume a few times. I remember having to do that with an early Mann film, The Keep, so I wonder if it is something he does as a director. If so, it's annoying.The story has real potential but the skills given to the main character just seem too far fetched, particularly his fighting skills.I like the idea of China and the USA having to pool knowledge and resources but that part is not examined enough and the film is just a vehicle for the lead actor to flash his biceps and deliver poorly written dialogue in a stilted way. His co stars do their best but the Director makes it all about a frankly unbelievable main character.

Blackhat is fairly good overall, has high points, but many weaknesses and overall a clear step down from Mann's previous work even Miami Vice. It's really a damn shame. I'm a huge fan of Mann, huge, understand his stuff completely. Blackhat doesn't have enough character development and is overall just off feeling most the time...not like Mann. Honestly makes me wonder what was up with him. 70,000,000$ budget. It could of been a masterpiece. Mann had the right idea but things definitely did not com together as envisioned. I have a high standard for Mann but in terms of the average movie this ranks above average.