Film Review – Red Sparrow

Director Frances Lawrence and actress Jennifer Lawrence previously worked together on the last three “Hunger Games” installments, likely forming a creative bond that was cushioned by the brand name’s Teflon appeal. Now they trade Panem for Russia, reteaming for the Cold War-style spy game, “Red Sparrow,” which once again situates Jennifer Lawrence in a position of pained resignation, playing another character battling against an oppressive government, doing anything she can to survive. “Red Sparrow” also has something else in common with the “Hunger Games” saga: an unwillingness to end. Two Lawrences fail to find anything approaching suspense in the thriller, which spend 139 minutes in extended conversations, trading deflated threats. Frances Lawrence appears to be under the impression he’s making opera, but all he’s doing is brewing a pot of Sleepytime Tea.  Read the rest at Blu-ray.com