Before Midnight - B+

Rated R, 108 minutes

"Before Midnight" a well-acted, insightful study of long-term commitment

Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke

"Before Midnight" is the second  sequel to "Before Sunrise" (1995) and "Before Sunset" (2004) and continues the story of the Gen X couple who met on the streets of Paris.  Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) now live in Paris as a couple and are parents to twin girls conceived when they got together. This finds them both in mid-life stuggling in one way or another with family and career choices and whether or not to stay together. As with the previous two films, this effusive outing is directed by Richard Linklater and is co-written by Linklater along with the two co-stars. Thoughtful and slow-moving, "Before Midnight" isn't for everyone, like the other two films, it's exceedingly talky and revolves around extended conversations regarding love, sex, marriage, romance, family and commitment, among many other things. An insightful essay into long-term commitment, Linklater's relaxed direction complements the leads charming, lovable chemistry together and this installment, more provocative than the others, will leave you talking. Seemingly, there isn't much more to do with the couple we met 18 years ago, but we said that following the last outing, and future chapters might include "Before Menopause" or "Before the Nursing Home." Jokes aside, "Before Midnight" is a touching, smart and superbly-acted take on what it means to be truly committed. We're there once again.

Wes's Grade:  B+