‘Demolition’ undercuts good Gyllenhaal performance
In “Demolition,” Jake Gyllenhaal again demonstrates his affinity for portraying souls on the brink, an ability that’s been evident as far back as his epic teen film “Donnie Darko” (2001).
[...] the new movie is so heavy-handed that his good efforts, along with those of an exceptional supporting cast, are about the only reason to see it.
The film is a letdown from Jean-Marc Vallée, the Canadian director of 2013’s triple Oscar-winner “Dallas Buyers Club,” as well as last year’s “Wild.”
There’s nothing wrong with stretching audience credibility, but, to quote another movie that dabbles in the highly improbable, these things must be done delicately.
[...] on a whim, he joins a wrecking crew (see film’s title), where he proves handy with sledgehammers and power tools.
[...] “Demolition” is mainly for Gyllenhaal fans who relish him in his tortured oddball mode.
Walter Addiego is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.