Genres

Visitors Review

Terrell Howell 2012-05-25 05:17:12

A visceral experience like no other

You might remember from 2003 the story of a hiker named Aron Ralston.He made the mainstream media cycle telling about his triumphant storyof being trapped under a boulder for 5 days (127 hours) and escaping byamputating his own arm. 127 Hours is the telling of this story, and Ifeel like the only more intense way to experience the events of thisfilm would be by being Aron Ralston himself. It is one of the mostvisceral and intense experiences I've ever witnessed to this kind ofprolonged extent on screen. Before going on this hike, Ralston toldnobody where he was going, and so when he got his arm trapped underthat boulder, he knew there was hardly any way out. He suffered throughincreasingly gruesome things to keep himself alive, all leading up tothe grisly amputation of his own arm, which is shown in its horrendousentirety in the movie, not holding back at all. However, it is a fairtrade since he escaped the inescapable with his life, and continues tohike and mountain climb today. The story of Aron Ralston is miraculousand inspiring, and 127 Hours does it justice ten times over.Only the first ten to fifteen minutes of the film have Aron safe anduntrapped, and the movies title doesn't even appear until after beingtrapped by the boulder. Needless to say, the majority of the film isjust Aron Ralston, and thank God he is played by the incrediblytalented James Franco. Franco's performance is one of the best I'veseen in a long time because of just how demanding it is. Few actors cancarry a film by themselves, but Franco does an amazing job all alone atthe bottom of a crevice. The dialouge is limited save for a couple ofscenes, but Franco never lets up in his performance and does so muchwith so little, which is really the biggest triumph of the film in itsentirety. That being its ability to do so much with such limitedresources. And so much of that credit goes to a brilliant lead actorwhose ability soars above and beyond any solo role of this sort in along time.James Franco can't get all the credit though. A film that takes placewith one man at the bottom of a two foot wide crevice has to retainlife, energy, and variety, and with a director like Danny Boyle, itdoes just that. Boyle is a master of the sharp edits and quick cuts,and he puts this talent to full use for 127 Hours. He has to, or elsethis film would have deteriorated quickly into something very tiringand boring. But Boyle's fresh visual flair keeps the film extremelylively the whole way through, and one scene after another drew me incloser and closer. I was never bored by this film, and I never feltlike I wanted it to hurry up and get to the point. Every scene has apoint. It's an engaging character study of Aron Ralston, while alsobeing a piece of art. Boyle employs such unique artistic technique intothis film, making it a mixture of beautiful, gruesome, disturbing, andvisceral. Boyle is a master at editing. Every shot and every cut ofthis movie is so well timed and so perfectly illustrated to make anever ending work of art that sends you through a frenzy of heightenedemotion.Boyle also perfects his visual experience with excellent musicselection. A. R. Rahman, the composer of Boyle's last film SlumdogMillionaire, returned to compose this film as well. Obviously the musicis completely different from Slumdog but it is very fitting and makesthe experience that much more intense. What we hear is aligned soperfectly with what we see on screen, giving the film an air of expertcraftsmanship, as well as an innovative and original piece of art.There is so much more to this film beyond the incredible survival storywe are treated to, and thats what makes it a visceral experience likeno other. Everything is put together so well and not a single shred ofartistic excellence is missing. I could not ask for more from a filmlike this that is something just so emotionally enveloping that I knowI won't be able to get my mind off of it for days. It is definitely oneof the best of the year so far. The only things that I think could topit that haven't come out yet are Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, set torelease December 3rd, or the Coen brothers remake of True Grit, comingDecember 25th. But until then, and even long afterwords, see 127 Hours,just be prepared.

IloveHanks 2012-05-24 17:08:06

Every Second Counts Of this Classic Movie.

127 Hours is a brilliant movie from the brilliant Danny Boyle. Arguablythe best movie of the year,only Boyle could have made a movie about aguy trapped in a boulder with such ingenuity and craftiness.I can neverimagine the state of mind that Aron Ralston was in, probably don't wantto.Danny Boyle has unarguably added one more feather in his alreadyillustrious cinematic cap by making 127 hours. The movie ironicallyabout being a man who is static moves us a lot. It just shows that whenman is really facing adverse circumstances he realizes the mostimportant things in his life which he never would have thought in thefirst place.Boyle never hesitates and hence doesn't compromise in showing theexplicitly graphic scenes involving blood. This makes the moviewatching experience more vicarious , something that only Boyle can dowith such conviction.AR Rehman's Sound track is easily tied at best for the year with socialnetwork. Rehman's work here is better compared to his previous workwith Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire seeing that Rehman had a tougher job athand while creating score for a movie that apparently never moves.James Franco has confirmed his potential as a star in the making bydelivering a splendid performance. Only a stuttering King would havebeen able to stop him from getting all the major accolades.Overall 127 Hours is yet another must watch movie from the genius DannyBoyle, for whom my respect has grown increased by leaps and bounds. Itis really sad to see that it went empty handed at most of the awardceremonies this year.Do not miss even a second as Every Second Counts .

2012-05-22 10:06:01

The will to live.

This is a journey in to man's mind and his perseverance to escape from the clutches of sure death. Aron Ralston sets out to explore Utah's Canyonland without telling anyone. While exploring here he is trapped by a boulder, without a way to freedom. Clearly everyone knows the outcome of the movie but the movie's strength is in the journey of taking you there to that end. Danny Boyle and the camera team have done some amazing camera work because most of the work takes place in the confines of a narrow space. The camera is very intimate and only one actor. The one thing that I thought worked in making this movie a worth watch was the reality of this harrowing experience that the real Aron faced. James Franco acts superbly and looks the part of the mountaineer Aron Ralston. During the 127 hour ordeal, he reflects on his life and we get a few glimpses of his family and lost love, all packing an emotional punch. The final few minutes have many people grimacing in their seats especially because they knew all this happened. I was too, but amazed at the hikers will to survive. Beautiful locations and music complement this amazing human drama. 4 stars. 4/19/2011

2012-05-21 11:29:32

127 Hours

This review is from: 127 Hours (Amazon Instant Video) I remembered hearing about this incident and about a month or so ago watched the special segment (either 48 hours or 20/20) and was perplexed by Aron's account of what he experienced. The segment talked about the entire incident and took you back (on a factual basis) of what happened.The movie was OK and while I knew it was not a documentary, it dragged on and on. Perhaps, I was spoiled by hearing the "live details." Anyway, the movie is entertaining but misses out of some key elements such as the toil Aron had to endure during the 127 hours, as well as the 4 hour trek to get back to civility.....once he decided to cut off his arm.

2012-05-20 03:08:54

A cautionary tale

28-year old Aron Ralston was an experienced hiker and climber who set out for a day of fun in Canyonlands that changed his life forever. He fell down a crevice, a boulder pinned his arm, and he was unable to free himself. Over the next five days, Aron recorded his thoughts on his video camera and dreamed about his family and friends, then, with no food or water left, decided to end his ordeal.This movie is filmed almost like a documentary, a virtual one-man show for James Franco. He's very good and believable as the hot shot outdoorsman who kept his head in a hopeless situation. The whole film leads up to the famous scene where Aron got free the only way he could, by severing his arm. That scene is very graphic and hard to watch, but it is short. The movie is a testament to one man's courage and resourcefulness. It doesn't get five stars from me because Aron is a flawed character and also because he seems to know what to do all the time so a certain amount of tension is missing. This movie would be of special interest to climbers and hikers.

gusmannen 2012-05-19 04:22:33

I'm sure glad i like automobiles...

I first heard of this one while watching a Top Gear episode with DannyBoyle as guest driver. I thought to myself "how the hell do you make amovie about a guy trapped for five days interesting?". Well, DannyBoyle sure knows how. This film is truly more than what meets the eye.You all probably know about the "the scene". It's there, and it is justas gruesome and hard to watch as you imagine it to be. Seems that eventhough all the slasher/exploitation gives us loads of gore we still gettwisty when we see something that has actually happened. Then it's nolonger entertaining, it's quite horrible.Don't get me wrong, "the scene" is excellent, and really tells the taleof how incredible this guy really is. But it's not "the scene" thatwill make you appreciate this movie. We get to follow this guy in hisstruggle to survive, both physically and mentally and it's all donewith such amazing directing and editing, not to mention acting.James Franco does his absolute best performance I've seen. Boy did thisguy grow into a great actor! He has come along way since Spiderman. Themovie is basically centered around his face the whole time. He is ouremotional window into this character, alongside great use offlashbacks/hallucinations. I have seldom been so emotionally investedin a character in a movie.The editing is very well done in this one. The use of flashbackstogether with hallucinations, dreams and thoughts makes it impossibleto take your eyes off the screen. The movies music score enhances theportrayal of the characters emotional state and really fits perfectly.To sum it up, this movie will leave you with a broad smile on your faceand perhaps a tear on your cheek. 9/10

capone666 2012-05-19 02:45:30

The Vidiot Reviews...

127 HoursLosing an appendage can be cause for celebration, so long as it happensat work and you have coverage.Unfortunately, the incident involving the young man in this dramaoccurred on the weekend, sans the protection of workers comp.After parting ways with a pair of hikers (Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn)that he met while out on the trail of a Utah National Park, amateuradventurer Aron Ralston (James Franco) falls down a crevasse, where hisright hand is pinned beneath a boulder.Unable to free himself, his water depleted, and his mind reeling withfamine-induced visions of past relationships with his parents andex-girlfriend, Aron is finally forced to make a grievous decision if hehopes to survive.Based on Ralston's autobiography, 127 Hours is a gripping, grotesqueexposition of human endurance, masterfully executed by director DannyBoyle.Besides, what mountaineer wouldn't want an ice axe for a hand? (GreenLight)

2012-05-18 18:54:55

Stupid guy doing stupid things

I walked out of the living room 15 minutes into the film. I have little interest in films, stories etc.. that celebrate stupid people. John Farnham has his four rules of stupid. 1) don't be stupid, 2) don't do stupid things, 3) don't go to stupid places and 4) don't associate with stupid people. Let's see, this guy goes into the desert alone, no real supplies, first aid, or any support system. On top of that, he doesn't leave word, note, phone anything to anyone about where he's going and or when to expect him back. Sorry, like the four gun rules you can sometimes get away with breaking the four rules of stupid but when you break two, nothing good is going to happen. People who callously wander off into dangerous places without planning deserve the fate that awaits them.

MovieManMenzel 2012-05-18 20:27:55

"127 Hours" is the most intense film to be released in recent years!

In "127 Hours," James Franco plays Aron Ralston, an extreme sportenthusiast with a love for adventure. The film starts off with Ralstonplanning a huge trip through Canyonlands National Park in Utah. At thebeginning of his journey, Aron meets up with Kristi and Megan, who arealso looking for some adventure. Aron and the girls share a fun filledday together full of swimming and some hiking. By nightfall, Megan andKristi part ways and invite Aron to come to a party a few days away.Aron says, he will see if he can make it and that's where the realadventure begins. Aron, now alone ventures deep into the Canyonlandswhere he falls into an isolated canyon only to find his arm trapped bya boulder. What happens for the next hour and 30 minutes is theremarkable true tale of one man doing anything he can to save himself.An intense film ensues...First and foremost, "127 Hours" is based on a true story of AronRalston. The film itself is based on his autobiography "Between A Rockand Hard Place"and the story is nothing short of fascinating. As far asthe movie goes, Danny Boyle really makes "127 Hours," a unique andintensive movie going experience, which I give him a huge amount ofcredit for. As a film lover, I realize that a film about a guy stuck ina canyon for 93 minutes isn't an easy sell nor would many think itwould make for an intense and exciting movie.Boyle using his directing and writing skills makes "127 Hours" probablyone of the most intense films I have seen in years. I love how Boylemade the beginning of the film feel all upbeat and lighthearted. WhileI was watching this film with my fiancée it was funny because in thefirst five minutes of the film we looked at each other and said "whatis this?" It seemed like a nice little film about this adventurous guywho meets up with two women and goes on adventures with them. The filmsets its audience up for the unexpected. You think your getting a feelgood film but after the first 10 minutes you are just glued to the edgeof your seat in suspense.As I said above, about 10 minutes in, Aron falls down the hole and Ithought to myself "oh great this is going to be so boring now becauseall now he is stuck in a hole. The reason I thought this is because ofprevious films, which feature people being stuck and how dull they wereto watch. One film I instantly thought of was "World Trade Center"directed by Oliver Stone. That film was so long and boring that after awhile the audience just didn't care. With this film, Boyle made itinteresting because not only did he use flashbacks but he also showedthe thoughts running through Aron's mind. The way Boyle does thisperfect because he doesn't overuse any of the resources he has. It doesa good mix between the actual situation, flashbacks, and visions, whichhelp make this film more intense than any horror film I have seen inrecent years.The movie would not be nearly as good without Franco in the lead.Franco is an interesting actor because he started off playing veryrandom roles but then got popular in comedies. Now, Franco seems to goback and forth with comedy and drama. I think this role was perfect forhim. Franco fits the look, the build, and even the personality for thefilm. I didn't think I would ever say Franco deserves an Oscar but hejust might for this film. I think a lot of that goes into the solidstory and direction of Boyle but it also proves to me at least thatFranco has a lot of talent and has what it takes to be a big star."127 Hours" proves to me that a good simple story can go a long waywith the right people taking on the material. This film is a remarkableand intense film that leaves you as an audience member just sitting onthe edge of your seat wondering whats going to happen next. We allheard about the end scene and it's probably one of the most disgustingscenes I have ever seen. I think this scene is so hard to watch becauseof how real the film is. This isn't a special effects film, it's notabout some weird killer, or anything else far-fetched and overused.This is a real story about real people. As I said in the beginning ofthis review, this movie isn't an easy sell but Boyle turns it into anemotional, edge of your seat film that surely won't disappoint. Ittakes a talented director, writer and cast (even though small) to makea film like "127 Hours" work and this is one film everyone involvedshould be very proud of.MovieManMenzel's final rating for "127 Hours" is a solid 9 out of 10.It definitely ranks up there as one of the best films of 2010 and isdefinitely the most intense!

silviuleno 2012-05-18 10:26:46

Give this man an Oscar!

I can't believe what i just saw. "127 Hours" is truly a masterpiece.Danny Boyle did it again. Period. This lesson about surviving can beteach in schools. We can learn from mistakes. For me, Aron Ralstonisn't a hero. Aron is a survivor. Mankind is based on surviving in thehardest conditions. James Franco truly deserves an Oscar this year. Hisperformance cannot be anything but perfect. It demonstrates a reallycourage in acting. It takes a lot of motivation and talent to gothrough the most difficult role, taking over the movie by himself, witha help of the extraordinary direction of Danny Boyle. In this film,James Franco is "solo". With the exception of some minor, but solidroles, he owns "127 Hours". You can feel Aron's desperation and alsoyou can see the long string of decisions that leads him to amputate thedamaged arm. The hand of Aron becomes his worst enemy. So he cut it, toset free. Danny Boyle's unique style of directing is getting more andmore amazing, from start to end. "127 Hours" is simply great. With thisrole, James Franco gets in to the big league of newly actors. He did alot of great acting jobs, but this is masterful. He can put naturalfeelings in his role, and the transformation is very visible. JamesFranco is not acting, is living the drama of Aron Ralston at apermitted level of understanding. Give this man an Oscar! He reallydeserve the golden statue! "127 Hours" can easily be the film of 2011.You did it again, Mr. Danny Boyle! As of Mr. James Franco, you cansteal the Oscar and still remain innocent! Why? You deserve it!

2012-05-16 02:30:20

Amazing story & movie

I was captivated and felt so much emotional connection to this movie. James Franco did an amazing job and deserved his Oscar Award nomination for his role. This movie is a beautiful and moving piece of art that proves just how far one can push when all hope seems lost. I was moved to tears of both happiness and fear.

thesandfly77 2012-05-15 08:22:09

The Greatest Ever Movie About An Extreme-Sports Twonk Stuck In A Canyon

A welcome return from Danny Boyle, and a stunning cameo return for thejunkie-swallowing couch last seen in Trainspotting.James Franco does a fantastic job of fleshing out Arron, a thoroughlyannoying canyon-leaping (or canyon-fail) extreme-sports loner-loserwhose life undergoes a change for the better due to the miraculoushealing properties of a rock more stubborn about lifelong commitmentthan a desperate fat chick.It's no spoiler to point out he loses an arm as their relationshipbreaks down (no more than a holiday romance, ultimately). Could havebeen worse as Arron - now married - will find out if that goes wrong;he'll lose a leg as well (sage nod from many out there...).However one-dimensional the premise sounds, what transpires for an hourand a half is as gripping as you could possibly imagine wringing out ofit.Tense and unnerving, gruesome, and heartwarming. And that was just myreaction to the reappearance of the Trainspotting couch (looking fitterand stronger; undoubtedly a method-couch).Stunningly shot, a treat for the eye. An absorbing tale of oneschmuck's bravery and redemption. Expect to see some alert mobile phonecompany jump all over it in future. If only he'd remembered...Oh, and kudos to the camcorder company for the longest-life batteryever. If only mine lasted that long on babe-laden vacation beaches...Watch this. See nature and geological time hate us and realise theyawait your one cosmic moment of wrong-footedness.Then never leave the house.A climbing Seven. And a half, because IMDb are an anti-fractionfaction. ;))

Roland E. Zwick 2012-05-14 21:14:10

When being caught between a rock and a hard place becomes all too real

Few movies provide as purely visceral an experience as "127 Hours," agripping true-life account of a man who literally gives his right armto save his life.It was April 2003 when daredevil outdoorsman and experienced rockclimber Aron Walston ventured alone into Blue John Canyon in Utahwithout telling anybody where he was going. Tragedy struck when a giantboulder came crashing down on him, smashing and pinning his right armso that Walston was actually left dangling a few feet above the ground.After more than five days in this position, he made the horrificdecision to cut off the arm, thereby free himself from his predicament.Given the shockingly gruesome nature of the material, it's possiblethat many people avoided watching this movie when it played intheaters. One of the advantages of seeing the movie on DVD is that thefaint of heart can fast-forward through the more unsettling parts andnot miss out on the overall experience – or James Franco's dazzling andempathic tour-de-force performance.Moments of lucidity alternate with moments of intense unreality andconfusion as the hours tick off and Walston increasingly strugglesagainst hunger, thirst, cold, pain and mounting desperation. Whatstrikes one most about Walston is the amazing resourcefulness and calmdemeanor he demonstrates while confronting a situation most of us canimagine only in our worst nightmares. Walston certainly has time tothink back over his life and to consider what exactly brought him tothis moment in time and to contemplate the people who've made thedeepest impact on him, and how he's treated - and, in some cases,mistreated - them throughout the course of his life.Walston's ordeal resonates with viewers in that it shows us just howvulnerable we are to the cruel exigencies of an indifferent Nature, andhow one little mistake or simply being in the wrong place at the wrongtime can forever seal our fate.Director Danny Boyle and co-writer Simon Beaufry keep things frombecoming unduly claustrophobic by throwing hallucinations, memories andimaginings into the narrative mix and by freely indulging in thehyperkinetic montage sequences that have long been the hallmark ofBoyle's style (see "Trainspotting" and "Slumdog Millionaire").In terms of acting, this is pretty much a one-man show, but there areimportant contributions from Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara and TreatWilliams in small but significant roles.Hard as it may be to sit through at times, "127 Hours" provides us withan unforgettable and ultimately inspiring portrait of a man staringinto the face of Death – and making Death blink.

greatwolf85 2012-05-14 04:49:07

Entertaining movie, very cheap, worth your time.

So you read the synopsis, good. Anyhow this movie is worth sitting downto, it will leave you thinking about the pain, the courage and thedetermination needed to survive this situation. If you have seen "Saw"then there at least one scene where frustration and the will to survivewill leave you wanting to take more bathroom brakes in order to not seewhat the gruesomeness happening on screen (however if you like thisstuff then you'll enjoy it even more).If you have seen "I shouldn't be alive" then this is an episode onsteroids, however much less happening and a lot of the time is wastedin hallucinations of the main character due to the situation. In wenttoo much in depth in terms of character development, one that whileentertaining not necessary.Great work by the writers making a whole movie out of this.Overall, you won't be disappointed if you're expecting to sit for amovie with rating 6 or 7 out of ten.If you liked it, then watch "I shouldn't be alive" the episodes areshorter and there is much more going on.

Saad Khan 2012-05-12 19:57:59

Claustrophobic True Story of Trapped Aaron Ralston is Brilliantly told!!!

127 HOURS – CATCH IT ( A ) I was really psyched about watching 127Hours, extraordinary true story and Oscar Buzz was enough to createimmense interest in me. The movie starts with A.R.Rahman's magical &spellbinding powerful music. The whole movie is like a quality product,which never for a second let you feel boredom. Sometimes it gets reallyhard to watch the One person's agony on screen but just like Buried,127Hours also did a commendable job in engaging the audience. Here, 127Hours gets more applause as it's inspired from a true story. There weretwo completely different scenes which left me Speechless. James FrancoJumping into Canyon with Kate Mara & Amber Tamblyn creates exhilaratingfeeling inside me, it makes you wanna jump along with them. The secondmost favorite scene is Obviously James Franco Amputating his ownArm...It takes really a Big Heart to go through the whole scene; I canimagine why people fainted during that scene. It's undoubtedly JamesFranco's finest work, I don't have words to express his portrayal ofAron Ralston. There are hundreds of emotions he has shown to us andkeep us immensely engaging. He truly deserves an Oscar Nod, I haven'tseen Ryan Gosling (Blue Valentine), Colin Firth (The King's Speech)yet, but I have seen Jeff Bridges (True Grit), Nonetheless Jess Bridgeswas outstanding in "True Grit" but what James Franco brought to 127Hours, it happens in Ages. Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn and Clemence Poesywere Charming. Overall, it's a terrific movie with amazing combinationof exceptional direction by Danny Boyle, Extraordinary Music byA.R.Rahman, Breathtaking Cinematography by Enrique Chediak & AnthonyDod Mantle AND Oscar worthy performance by James Franco.

Jiminy_critic 2012-05-12 06:25:51

I don't usually write reviews, but felt I needed to after watching this masterpiece.

Where do I begin? I went to the cinema with medium expectations of thisfilm. I am a fan of Danny Boyle movies, from Shallow Grave through to21 Days Later. I liked (not loved) Slumdog Millionaire, but wasn't onthe bandwagon of hype that surrounded the movie. I am also a JamesFranco fan, and loved Pineapple Express and was surprised how well heacted in that movie. I also remember him playing James Dean in a TVmovie, which also impressed me too. However, it did not prepare me forwhat I was about to see with this film.Right from the get go you are introduced to the film with the feel of apulse, from the music that is played during the credits (May I add theuse of music throughout this movie was absolutely perfect, and reallyadded so much emotion and texture to the scenes), right through to theuse of camera, and the split screen where you see crowds of peoplegoing about their daily lives. It then focuses on Franco's character,Aron Ralston. We see quick, cleverly cut and filmed sequences of himpreparing for a hike. From intricate, yet simple shots from inside hisfridge, to the top of his shelf, with the focus on his hands grabbingthese items. I loved these quick shots, and from the start set thekinetic film style and pace. I am not going to spoil anything for youhere, but the next 20 minutes of the film is a build up, which is verycleverly done. Anyone that is familiar with the story will appreciatehow well the tension is built upon.After the accident occurs, we are left with Aron as he first physicallystruggles to get himself out of the situation. You really feel that youare there with him. The locations used are beautiful, yet eerie at thesame time. After he is physically worn out from trying to escape, youbegin to see the psychological breakdown. This is where things getinteresting, and really where Franco shines. As we are with him in thissituation, you see how his character goes from thinking he will gethimself out of this, to a complete breakdown. As he is trapped therefor so long, he finds himself dehydrating, and losing the will to live.However, the things that keeps him going, and keeps the audiencecompletely involved and on tender hooks, is the very cleverly craftedflashbacks of what keeps him going. From is family, one of his pastgirlfriend's right through to some very well executed hallucinations.Often I found myself laughing at the certain things that Franco'scharacter was thinking and dreaming up in his mind, and after thelaughter, Boyle would build the tension straight up again and tug onthe heart strings with only a few words and expressions from Franco'sface. By the end of the movie, you will be there with the character,you will him to go on. I felt that this movie touched on so many thingssuch as spirituality, love, hope and survival and all these commonemotions we all share as human beings. At the very end of the movie,the music yet again is used perfectly, and gave me a joyous, almostoverpowering feeling of a mixed range of emotions. I still had theadrenaline pumping from 'that' scene I'm sure many of you reading thisare aware of (which was also brilliantly done, from the sound effectsof shredding nerves, right through the Franco's acting and the use ofthe camera angles and sfx). As the end drew to a close, I wasstruggling to hold back the tears as hard as I could, (my girlfriendhad been crying intermittently throughout the film, and I couldn'tblame her).127 hours It was a joyous, uplifting, spiritual movie experience. Ithad all the elements of what filmmaking is about. It was a thriller, adrama, a romance, a horror, even comedy at some points all rolled intoone. A poignant, timeless message of what is it to be alive, of howblessed we all truly are, and of how reliant we are upon each other. Toquite simply put it, this was my favourite movie of 2010/2011, and willcertainly go down as one of my favourite movies of all time.

2012-05-11 17:44:42

Wow

This movie is so emotionally and physically intense. It really makes you stop and think, Would I have the courage to do what he did? Would I be emotionally strong enough to survive? Words really can't describe how this movie made me feel. James Franco did an amazing job portraying such an amazing person and his performance truly deserved the Academy Award nomination he received.

Andrew Marshall 2012-05-11 06:34:19

Another Danny Boyle masterpiece?

127 Hours is Danny Boyles follow up to the huge commercial and criticalsuccess of Slumdog Millionaire.I normally like to see a movie without knowing too much details aboutthe plot and especially the ending. 127 Hours is based on a true storyof Aron who gets trapped in a cave after a rock falls on his arm andbecomes lodged. Although not familiar with the story I had hearddetails about what happened which did spoil my enjoyment of the film. Iwill not repeat the ending for those people that don't know, but isuspect the majority of movie goers will know what's coming.Whilst trapped Aron creates a video diary of what he expect to be hislast few days of life. During this time he has flash backs and dreamsof his life. I couldn't help thinking that this could have been moreinteresting.James Franco is obviously the large focus of the film and he does apretty good job as Aron. With the exception of the opening and closingcredit sequence Danny Boyle is also good although I don't think it everreaches the heights of Slumdog.

Ali Catterall 2012-05-11 10:16:09

I am a Rock

A few years ago, while boarding the tube, I missed my footing and felldown the gap between the platform and the train. Just in time, Imanaged to hook my elbows onto the carriage floor, while performing thecan-can from the waist down. I knew I had only seconds before theunthinkable happened... and then a young French tourist with a big redrucksack hauled me inside.The point being: at no stage did I feel like I was in a Danny Boylemovie. Time steadfastly refused to hyperventilate, while reality ingeneral resolutely failed to fracture into a series of dizzyinghyperkinetic edits. No banging tunes. If I'm honest, it was justreally, really embarrassing.But 127 Hours is most decidedly a Boyle picture: if being trappedunderneath a rock for nearly a week must feel a trifle monotonous, youwouldn't guess it from his take on Aron Ralston's memoirs. Comparisonswith Touching the Void are inevitable – Aron's mishap even occurred theyear Kevin Macdonald's film was released. Yet unlike 'Void, this is aweird sort of premise for an action film, in which the subject isStanding Still more often than Running and Jumping (or Crawling andSwearing). You can't blame the director, then, for wanting to jollythings along with those funny little tics of his.Ralston, played with immense conviction by James Franco, is thedevil-may-care mountaineer who made headlines in 2003 after fallingthrough a crevice and getting pinned against a canyon wall by adislodged boulder – truly, a destiny with density. Some might call thatunlucky. Or, like the delirious Ralston, firmly believe that "From theminute I was born, every breath has been leading me to this crack inthe surface of the Earth. This rock has been waiting for me all mylife." At this stage, it probably wouldn't have been useful to point out tohim that life is essentially meaningless, a bunch of random eventsinviting any number of feeble interpretations, and thus ultimately abad joke played on those foolish enough to ascribe innate structure orpattern to it. That probably wouldn't have helped. All the same, we canat least entertain the notion that any and all such events presentopportunities for random acts of senseless kindness – or courage. Asre-enacted in the film's skilfully-edited money shot, Ralston's solestab at survival means rendering himself deficit to the sum of oneright arm. (This reviewer's screening was at 9.30 in the morning,perhaps not the best time to catch a horribly authenticself-amputation. Then again, when would that optimum hour be?) The film is bookended by images of vast crowds – in triplicate; thescreen splitting three ways to accommodate the great churn of humanity,from whom reckless Ralston will deliberately extricate himself – andthen, in the way of Boyle movies from Trainspotting to The Beach,desperately attempt to rejoin.There's also cackling irony in the fact that while Ralston's trapped,the screen fair teems with other people, via memories of his family,past girlfriends – even premonitory visions of a future son. If youwere wondering how fellow cast members slotted into such a solitarystory, they're all down there in Blue John Canyon, in James Franco'sbonce. Yet strangely, he never seems so alone as during those first fewmoments following his extrication. Baptised in blood and sweat, he istransformed into a spirit as mighty, as elemental, but just asisolated, as that vast ancient canyon. That boulder didn't just happento Ralston; he faced the old bastard on equal terms. And gave it thefinger.

2012-05-11 01:11:16

Don't forget to leave a note.

Before I watched "127 Hours" I think I wasn't alone in wondering how even a great director like Danny Boyle could make a full length film about a guy with his arm pinned against a wall. I'm pleased to say that Boyle pulled it off, and not only did he pull it off, he made an excellent film in the process. "127 Hours" tells the harrowing story of Aron Ralston(played by James Franco), an adventure seeking outdoors man who has the misfortune of falling down a crevasse and getting his arm pinned against the wall by a huge rock. All that Ralston has is a dull knife, climbing equipment, a camcorder and a limited water supply. Where Boyle and Franco shine is the time spent after the fateful accident. Boyle implements many familiar tricks from his directing arsenal but they only add color and depth to what otherwise could of been a simple and straight forward tale of survival. Boyle uses stunning images of Utah's Canyonlands National park and numerous zoom outs to show just how secluded Ralston really was. Franco on the other hand, pulls off a masterful performance of a man face to face with his mortality. Franco plays Ralston as a man who knows that the last moments of his life are slowly ticking away and he goes through the gauntlet of emotions. After being shocked and enraged with his situation, Ralston enters into zen like clarity and acceptance. "Whoever finds this camcorder can keep it" Ralston calmly states "Just let my parents know what happened to me". As the hours pass, and his valiant attempts to free himself fail(At one point Ralston creates a pulley system with his climbing equipment. it fails but it was still pretty ingenuous)Ralston reflects on his life's triumphs and shortcomings, most of which revolve around his family and failed relationships, things that most of us would be thinking about in the same situation. As desperation mounts, Ralston finally goes for broke and decides to become his own surgeon. The scene is hard to watch but I found it impossible to turn away. 127 Hours is a fantastic film about how Ralston showed amazing perseverance and processed the metal fortitude not to give into despair. I only hope that if I'm faced with the same situation I process the same qualities. I guess you don't know until it happens to you.