Rent Hanna (2011)

Wide appeal - Hanna review by JD

This is partly a super-girl film and will appeal to female teenagers, or possibly not, she really is sickeningly good at everything. Kills several armed guards at a time, speaks every European language and some others fluently, can survive in the Arctic tundra indefinitely. Her only flaw is that she is unfamiliar with hi-tech. This is shown in an scene which could be seen as comic or strangely could also be seen from her perspective as horrific.

At another level it is an action thriller of several adult characters, some of the fight scenes quite inventive and alternative. Some of the torture scenes I thought should have been 15 rated.

I thought Blanchett was not as intriguing as usual; her character is utterly ruthless and cold but that is about all it is. Not very engaging.

Ronan is a good child actor, but like a poodle that can stand on its back legs, one marvels to see it done at all well.

Entertaining Euro-film like RUN LOLA RUN with gret soundtrack - Hanna review by PV

OK, do first thing to say is this really is like a cartoon with a cartoon character teen girl superhero starring.

Having said that, it's also hugely enjoyable hokum and entertaining. The plot is utter nonsense of course, but if you don't worry about little details - like anything making any sense - it's all great fun.

Some odd flashbacks don't really work but I see the backstory needs inserting somewhere.

Would be 3 stars but a truly GREAT Soundtrack (I think from Hans Rimmer) make this special.

It's influenced by RUN LOLA RUN but better IMHO.

4 stars.

Entertaining Action Thriller - Hanna review by GI

This action thriller, one of the cycle of action espionage narratives, is vaguely a little underwhelming and ultimately disappointing. This is a shame because there are elements of this film that are rather good and the action, especially the fight sequences, is well choreographed and exciting to watch. The film is a series of highs and lows in many ways and in what is basically a chase thriller this has the effect of slowing the film down just after it's achieved a good pace and level of excitement. Saoirse Ronan, who is absolutely superb here, is the title character. A young girl on the cusp of womanhood who has been raised in a remote forest by her father (Eric Bana) a former CIA agent hunted by his former bosses for years. He has prepared her by training her in a whole host of Jason Bourne style skills ready for the tests that soon arrive and hark back to her mysterious past. As she escapes the clutches of the baddie (Cate Blanchett) Hanna is set on a journey of discovery that includes learning about relationships, friendship and where she really comes from. There's a gritty and realistic look to the film which globetrots around Europe and North Africa and has a good support cast including Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams and Jason Flemyng. Very watchable but it could have been a whole lot better.