Hello and welcome to Movie Night, I'm your host, Jonathan Paula.
Only one movie in tonight's mini-episode, so let's get right to my thoughts about "The
Walk".
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as high-wire artist Philippe Petit - who famously tight-rope walked
between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center just prior to their completion in 1974.
Adapted from Petit's novel, "To Reach The Clouds" - this PG-rated feature provides tremendous
insight into the truly spectacular titular event.
Director Robert Zemeckis isn't the first person to feature this unbelievable true story on
film though - that honor goes to James Marsh's equally captivating 2008 documentary "Man
On Wire" - which I reviewed here on 'Movie Night' a couple years ago.
Standing atop the Statue Of Liberty, Levitt breaks the fourth-wall to introduce the story,
and speak to the audience directly (remaining in character).
It's through his winding narration we learn of Petit's insane thought-process... as it
progresses from an impossible dream to a wonderful reality.
The first half of the 123-minute drama feels like a familiar bio-pic, but once the action
moves to lower Manhattan, it becomes a full-blown heist caper; as our heroes attempt to pull
of the highly complicated and daring stunt they refer to as a "coup".
Levitt is fantastic in the lead role, bouncing around the streets of Paris with plenty of
charm and a believable French accent.
When it comes time to execute his plan though, he's all business - especially during a tense
run-in with a mysterious businessman who threatens to expose the illegal operation.
Although never addressed, the eventual fate of the iconic towers hangs over the proceedings.
There's something undeniably powerful about seeing them again in such a meaningful way.
But it isn't until the final shot of the movie, when Joseph gives a knowing glance to the
audience as the camera pans over to a shot of the defiant skyscrapers - that we truly
get to appreciate their legacy.
This movie is so arrestingly photographed that even though we know the ending of a scene
accomplished on a sound-stage with computer effects - it remains incredibly tense and
nerve-racking.
Once JGL steps onto that wire, the movie transforms into a nail-biting, palm-sweating experience.
Not for those fearful of heights, the 3D-treatment takes this a step further with absolutely
stunning visuals; creating huge chasms of depth necessary to sell the story's consequences.
The visuals here are so realistic a few people actually threw-up while watching an early
screening.
The wide sweeping shots that frame this high-wire artist against the New York streets below
is nothing short of breathtaking...
an inspiring site that makes you believe in the power of dreams.
Zemeckis' long time collaborator Alan Silvestri does marvelous work with the music, which
layers string-heavy ballads under the most intense moments.
There are some hiccups with the plotting, however - several items are set up without
any pay-off.
When the wise mentor Ben Kingsley repeatedly advises his daring protégée to "always check
the rigging yourself", it seems to signal a moment later where such advice is either
remembered or ignored.
And although the 'coup' goes off without any major issues, Petit's decision to forgo this
personal safety check is never addressed.
A romantic sub-plot with Charlotte Le Bon is also a bit tangential to the plot, and
wrapped up rather sloppily.
If you're able to overlook these generally minor issues, and first-act pacing problems
- there's plenty of optimism and exhilarating action here.
"The Walk" is a positively beautiful re-telling of an inspirational event.
A must-see in 3D, I thought it was AWESOME.
That does it for now, but we're talking "Martian" movies in the next episode, if you'd like
to leave a comment review.
And if you click this information-icon, some related videos will slide out for to watch.
Once again, my name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!