Review: Trance

Release Date:  April 5, 2013

Running Time: 101 minutes
Starring: James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, Rosario Dawson

Who to see it with: Someone who liked Inception.

David: 

I really like Danny Boyle's other movies (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Sunshine) so went into this movie expecting to enjoy it.  Boyle's latest film follows a participant in an art heist whos has forgotten crucial details about it.  His life depends on learning these so he employs a hypno therapist to help him remember.  She begins the process to delve into his memories but encounters roadblocks along the way that must be overcome.  The premise of the movie is interesting and the plot advances assisted by some really great acting.  But, there are two many odd concessions made to ensure the film moves along.  Some of the plot turns seem too convenient and a few are simply laughable.  However, these are balanced by the aforementioned acting and some very tense moments as McAvoy struggles to remember what happened.  The effects and hypnosis scenes are very well done and the overall resolution is unusual, but somewhat unfulfilling.    I left this movie feeling like I'd seen a low special effects version of Inception and although I still think it's an interesting movie and enjoyed it, I think you should

Rent it.