Blue Jasmine - A-

Rated PG-13, 98 minutes

Richly satisfying "Blue Jasmine" Woody's strongest film in years

Cate Blanchett

The new drama "Blue Jasmine" is a beautiful portrait of a fragile life falling apart, and is Woody Allen's most compelling, satisfying film in years. After everything in her life falls to pieces, including her marriage to wealthy businessman Hal (Alec Baldwin), elegant New York socialite Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) moves into her sister's modest apartment in San Francisco to try to pull herself back together again. Directed and written by Allen, it's tone is deeper and more serious than some of his recent lightweight films, and is superbly acted by his cast, especially by Oscar-winner Blanchett, who beautifully embodies the frailty of her character, whose life drastically changes when her husband is convicted of doing some shady business. As the upbeat sister she moves in with, British actress Sally Hawkins is also affecting, as is Baldwin, Louie C.K., Bobby Cannavale and in a small but key role, comedian Andrew Dice Clay, who makes for a remarkably pleasant character actor. The shifty time changes (much of the film is in flashback) is slightly annoying but still handled efficiently by Allen, and seemingly represents two performances by Blanchett: of her good life and of her life now, which is the far more interesting of the two. She's essentially a flawed, depressed and more elegant contemporary version of Annie Hall. The richly satisfying, well-acted "Blue Jasmine" represents the director and star at their best. Well worth a look.

Wes's Grade: A-