127 Hours

Danny Boyle is among one of my favorite directors, he has directed one of my favorite films of all time, Trainspotting. So of course I can be a little biased when it comes to reviewing any of his films. Yet I can call him out for his failures like A Life Less Ordinary, or for his other achievements like Slumdog Millionaire and even 28 Days Later. Though we are here to discuss his new film 127 hours. It is not only among one of his best films, but it is among one of the best survival films ever made. Everyone by now should know the story of Aron Ralston and his survival story in one of the many canyons in Utah. You would think a film about a man with his arm stuck in a rock wouldn’t be that entertaining but for some weird reason it is. That can mostly be given credit to James Franco and his amazing performance, and trust me the Oscar is calling to him this year. You always hear the phrase that some actors can just play any part or role, and that is true of James Franco. He can play drama, comedy, even write a book, and attend Yale University with a PHD on the way. Is there anything this guy cant do, I’m starting to think he is really superman, but that is another matter. The whole film hangs on his performance, and entertains us through his past flashbacks of life. The memories of his family he never really paid attention to, yes its hard being a loner. There are also the good times with his ex girlfriend, and finally the dreadful breakup. Throw in Scooby-Doo and a vision of a child that has not yet been born, and you have all the will you need for the motivation to survive. The amputation scene was not as brutal as it has been made out to be, but it is still very realistic. I was actually more grossed out by the drinking of the urine rather than him having to finally do the unthinkable. The film is fast paced and quickly edited, the norm for a Boyle film. Still it all works well and the music is also a plus. Awards may or may not be given to this film but it will at least get recognition with enough nominations to clarify it is a film that matters. This is another film I saw at the STL Film Festival, and unlike the other one I seen, it seemed that the audience loved this film. How could you not, anyone who had been through what Aron Ralston suffered and survived should be overjoyed and happy. Though I don’t know if I would go rock climbing anytime soon afterwards like Aron Ralston, but I guess that is what separates the boys from the men.

THE JUDGEMENT CALL: An audience crowd pleaser but also a great story about human survival. If you don’t go see it for James Francos amazing performance or Danny Boyle’s superb directing. Then see it for the simple purpose of the human spirit that is the real Aron Ralston.