squicker

(2012-04-28 13:59:58)

So So But Unrewarding Film

So the film is the famous story of Aron Ralston, an American climberwho goes on a canyon hike in Utah and comes acropper when his arm getstrapped by an 800lb boulder. After 6 days he realises he is going tohave to take drastic action to ensure his escape. I felt this film was a bit of a mixed bag. Certainly the story feltvery unnerving and haunted me long after the film had finished, thiswas due to the film capturing very well the isolation of the place Aronwas trapped in. I also think the film did a very good job ofhighlighting what an idiot Aron was for getting into that predicamentand how selfish he must have been around the time. It did this withoutmaking us dislike him too much, so I think it made a good balance outof his character. But I wasn't actively rooting for him as such, 1 -because I knew what happens anyway, and 2 - because whilst I'd not wishthat on anyone, it's hard to root for him as it all transpires throughhis own foolishness, and there's a near infinite list of people whohave met an untimely demise through no fault of their own. So we mightperhaps consider them more 'deserving' of our sympathies. James Franco did a rather workmanlike job as Aron, showing he kept hishead well in spite of what happened, and rallied himself for an escapeon day 6 despite his weak and delusional state. But I felt disconnectedfrom his character, in fairness this could be the direction, as Boyleis somewhat patchy IMO. The camera-work was excellent regarding the scenery and it really didram home how desolate that place is and how insignificant a speck ofnothingness is a human being, I thought that aspect of the film wassuperb. The editing however, good god...It was like MTV gone mad! Irealise it's incredibly hard to make an engaging 90 min film with onlyone character, but the constant hallucinations and flashbacks withsplit-screen effect, well that was such a cheap way out of it andsmacked of very immature film-making. A better director could have madethat film work without any of the cheap gimmicks, because the story ishighly unsettling and the stuff from which edge of your seat tensioncould be made, in the right hands. There is no message to the film, despite what anyone will tell you. Itmerely shows us that people are capable of tremendous deeds when theirlife is on the line - this is already well documented, and that humanhubris can get you into trouble, again this is very well documented andI am sure many of us know this from our own experience. So, whilst I enjoyed certain aspects of the film, it was somewhatunfulfilling - certainly it's no 'Alive' or 'Touching the Void' - but Ithink this was down to the directing and nasty editing for the MTVgeneration.

dieBartdie

(2012-04-28 03:54:58)

Yet again, Danny Boyle takes a most unlikely plot and makes it work!

127 Hours is a movie about a guy who got stuck under a rock. And it isexcellent! I was skeptical, especially since the premise reminded me of "OpenWater", which ran out of material after about 30 minutes. 127 Hoursdoes use some trickery in the form of flashbacks and hallucinations,not to mention the overall more optimistic tone. But usually thosescenes are short, used effectively and make sense. Even theintroduction is of appropriate length and doesn't stall the pace, withthe accident happening only a few minutes in. There really is enoughhappening throughout the movie to keep you at the edge of the seatdespite the claustrophobic setting.Aron Ralston, whose real-life story this movie is based on, was heavilyinvolved in the production, which makes this a very authenticrepresentation of his traumatic experiences. "Based on a true story"usually doesn't mean much, but here you can feel the natural, almostdocumentary-style sequence of events, at the same time more absurd andmore brutally realistic than any fictional script could ever be. JamesFranco does an excellent job playing Aron and thus mastering thechallenge of being the only protagonist for the vast majority of themovie. His portrayal is Oscar material, no doubt, and clearly the mainreason this movie works so well. The beginning of the movie shows Aron's passion for the location themovie takes place in, the vast, beautiful canyons of Utah. Hespontaneously plays tour guide for two girls he finds hiking into thewrong direction, shows them beautiful, hidden places and it seems hegenerally has a great time. The moment he gets caught under a rockcomes abrupt. Despite anticipating it from the moment the movie starts,you find yourself in disbelieve, just as the main character. This can'treally be. There has to be a way out of this, some way to waggle hisbody, some lucky coincidence, some magical, saving idea to get free--but it doesn't happen.And thus, both the main character and the audience have to startthinking those uncomfortable thoughts few other movies force upon theaudience-- especially for almost the entire length of the movie. Howmuch water is left in that bottle, what tools are available, how farcan your hand reach... or your feet. It's a horrible feeling to not beable to move back and forth, to be stuck within an arm-length radius inthe middle of nowhere, hugging an absurdly huge boulder, day and night.Unpredictable problems such as finding a way to sleep in a positionwhere you are constantly hanging backwards become a challenge. Nightsare getting cold. Dropping a knife is a matter of life and death.Fighting panic becomes a priority. We dive into Aron's psyche now andthen, memories flashing by, nightmares and even hallucinations. Hethinks of his parents, mistakes he made in the past. He starts usinghis video camera to record messages and as a kind of diary. Strangelythe techniques to keep a movie interesting seem to be the same thebrain uses to keep your mind from drifting into madness in extremesituations. Danny Boyle is a director who never repeats himself, to the point whereyou could almost criticize his lack of a "personal style". Yet somehow,he almost always pulls it off. 127 Hours continues that trend, pickingup a very difficult fringe genre and making the very best of it. Thefast, colorful, almost MTV-style editing of the introduction seems outof place at first, but eventually makes sense as it brilliantlycontrasts the isolation and bleakness of the later movie. You neverfeel bored as the film constantly captures the gruesome anticipation ofthe next, inevitable step. Towards the end, the movie gets almostunbearably tense. It forces you to sit through a real, nightmarishsituation you might have heard of in the news but always avoidedthinking about for more than a minute. And it is an immensely powerfulride. It revives that trite American ideal of "never giving up" in aliteral way with a story that doesn't leave much room for clichГѓВ©s. Thismight as well be Danny Boyle's best or at least most daring work sofar. A powerful movie that makes you appreciate just being alive.

Iqbali_Noodlepaste

(2012-04-27 00:47:26)

A Proud Moment....

Some stories are built on passion, some on courage and some on hope.Very rarely do you come across a love story that encompasses itselfaround a journey. 127 Hours introduces us to the world of Aron Ralston,who mirrors the most innocent of sentiments which lie locked up withinthe depths of our heart. He wins us over in the first frame, because heis one among us. It is not his heroism which makes him real, but hisvulnerability which makes him endearable. The audience falls in lovewith Aron Ralston because he is scared of the unknown just like us.What makes him a hero is his conviction and spirit, which makes himembark on an inner journey for the search of love and faith. It issomewhere in that journey, that you no longer root for Aron Ralston andhis victory, but for his belief, which makes 127 Hours a winner rightfrom the opening credits.His name is Ralston, Aron Ralston. Brought up in an unforgivingsociety, Aron battles the alternate evils of having his arm pinned downand scornful peers with equal focus, trying to make sense of the worldthat where gravity itself can be a friend or a deadly enemy. He goes bythe doctrine of his Gran, who teaches him that there are two classes ofpeople in the world, those who are good and would offer a lollipop andthose who are bad and would point a gun. There is no caste, creed orreligion but just people who shape the world. It is this philosophywhich Aron carries forward in his love and faith, painting his journeyin a collage of alternate light and dark emotions, shadow plays ofhuman nature which guides him to the world or perhaps, guides the worldtowards him.127 Hours is appreciable because of its brilliance, acceptable for itsnobility and unquestionable in its integrity. Danny Boyle weaves in atale of love, faith, religion and humanity within a cinematic frame of120 minutes pulling out a riveting and compelling human drama ofinnocence poised against the system, through the filtered sensibilitiesof Aron Ralston, one who cannot understand the world, but love itenough to change it. The keynotes of each frame, drenched with subtlesocial comments and complex emotional undertones makes the movie anamalgamation of the colors of hope and persistence, with layeredtextures of unspoken bonds. With Aron Ralston, Danny Boyle succeeds inbringing the system on trial through the eyes of one who cannot biashimself on any ideology, making his emotions pure and though provoking,which touches the innermost chords of the heart, moistening the eyesand serenading the senses.The story is filled with emotional subtexts which move at breakneckspeed throughout the length of the film, constantly switching gearsbetween the palettes of emotions. The dialogs exude class andconfidence holding grip of the story yet laced with the finesse thatallows for emotional drama combined with spiritual uprising, casting asatire on the entire system and its treatment of identities. The scriptpenned by Danny Boyle himself, is one of par excellence, allowing theaudience to blend into Aron Ralston through his smiles and tears, laughin his joy and cringe with every blow dealt to him. The screenplaydrops hypocritical moral ambitions to make scathingly relevant commentson modern outlook of the world, making it rise several notches aboveanything attempted before in Hollywood.In the end, 127 Hours becomes the experience it is because of JamesFranco, Sean Bott, Amber Tamblyn and Treat Williams, essayed flawlesslyby Danny Boyle. Franco exudes the spirit of the titular ordeal in everybreath and pulse of the film, putting in a performance that is beyondany benchmark of excellence. He controls every single emotional nerveof the audience with vacant stares and dimpled smiles, towering like anillusionist conjuring up a magical performance of a lifetime. He breaksevery stereotypical mould attached to him to rise like a phoenix fromthe ashes with cohorts, who reign over the audience in a sweeping waveof emotions, establishing a bond that scales beyond the arc-lights ofthe 70mm screen. He is complimented by his costars whose very presencelight up the entire room with just their flashing smiles. He balancesthe sensitivity of love and charm with the emotional conflict of aravaged heart with effortless poise. The interactions between Francoand company form the highlights of the film, filled with the cacklingchemistry of a uninhibited passion, captivating the audience in themesmerizing spell of the couple. Kate Mara delivers a matured andrestrained performance while Sean A. Bott as Aron's friend blends insimplicity with sensibility in a performance that comes straight fromthe heart. Kate Burton is exceptional as Aron's Mom in her mannerismswhile the supporting cast all deliver credible performances includingWilliams in a dazzling cameo.There will always be movies that enchant us with their magic, but therewill hardly be a journey that goes beyond cinematic borders to deliverthe experience of a lifetime. 127 Hours is undoubtedly the new face ofglobal cinema that enthralls with each passing frame, healing thehidden scars of the heart with its message of a better and humaneworld. There might be superheroes, but there will never be one JamesFranco, who takes pride in being ordinary and yet changes the face ofthe world.Earlier time scales used B.C. and A.D. to mark important events. After12th May 2010, the scales of humanity would mark the world before andafter the release of 127 Hours.My Rating- 10/10 (Exceptional!!)

nickmesafilms

(2012-04-26 10:34:43)

127 Hours (2010) - Between a Rock and a Hard Place!

After starting a career in the Spider-Man movies, and becoming apothead in "Pineapple Express", James Franco has brought his bestperformance ever in the mysterious tale of survival, "127 Hours". Thefilm speaks the true story of Aron Ralston, who was stuck between arock rolling on his right arm, and a canyon named after Blue John.Danny Boyle, the Academy-Award winning "Slumdog" director, has made hiscomeback with the inspiration of survival. In my opinion, althoughSlumdog Millionaire was a great film and loved it so much, 127 Hours ismy favorite Danny Boyle feature. The film provided greatcinematography, editing, direction, writing, and music that took thestory to a level impossible to reach. The film had powerful messages toremind audiences of living your life and enjoying the memories, and allthat has been learned due to a particular event in your life. But themain cherry on the top of "127 Hours" is James Franco's mysteriousperformance. James Franco has appeared in the film for quite a longtime, since he is the armed (no offense, Aron) star. But he brings aperformance that charms up the screen and teaches us a lesson. Thisjust proves that "127 Hours" is a total must-see. "127 Hours", in myreview, "an epic meaning of the human heart."

(2012-04-26 13:29:43)

Making a mountain out of a mole hill, Boyle's masterpiece...

One fateful day in the canyons of Utah a lone climber fell into the worst predicament he could have imagined. In April of 2003 Aron Ralston found out what he was made of, literally and figuratively. While Aron was trekking the rocky terrain of "Blue John Canyon" his luck ran out and fell due to a loose boulder which crushed and trapped his arm against the rock wall. His story is one of hope, triumph, terror and sheer determination. The perfect setting for an intensely satisfying movie experience. Thankfully, director Danny Boyle delivered this in spades."127 Hours" is a full feature film about this tragic but conquering incident. Aron Ralston, an avid climber and hiker, played by the talented James Franco, made the near fatal mistake of not telling anyone where he was going. Ralston sets out to his "home away from home" and meets a couple of less experienced hikers looking for some adventure. He takes them to a beautiful spot where they enjoy a brief swim, though this section is not factual to the real experience. Afterward, Ralston continues his trek and ends up, as the real Aron Ralston named his book, stuck "between a rock and a hard place". What follows is his incredible journey to free himself, rappel a 65 foot rock wall and hike over 8 miles to finally be rescued in one of the most emotional endings in a film to date.There were a lot of challenges in developing a feature length film based on Ralston's amazing story. Many wondered how director Danny Boyle would keep the audience engaged since the setting is a single place with a single character. Not to mention the fact that we all know how the story ends up. Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Picture it's obvious they overcame these challenges. For one thing, the pacing is perfect as was the accompanying music. Boyle seamlessly transitioned slow dismal scenes with those of courage and optimism. This worked largely due to the variety of music used in the film. From the outstanding original score from A.R. Rahmin to the uplifting "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers and the surreal finale from Sigur RГѓВіs. To me it seemed like the music was an auditory way of showing his inner thoughts during the whole experience, the soundtrack was a character all it's own."127 Hours" is a powerful movie and story. One in which could not have been so successful had it not been for the astounding direction and cinematography. Boyle's team brought the experience of trekking the Utah canyons to life with fluid camera work. A closeup shot of Franco's hand sliding against the rock wall while navigating through the canyon is just one of many examples. Personally, I thought this film should have been not only nominated for Best Cinematography in the Academy Awards but also won. Boyle is a master of his craft and this film further propels him to the top of the list of best directors working today.I won't get into the "meat" of the amputation scene, but I will say that it was one of the most intense things I've witnessed in film. That is saying a lot considering the types of movies I watch and review here. Disturbingly accurate this scene was filmed in one take using multiple camera's and only one prosthetic arm. Yet another testimony to Franco's superb acting. Following the amputation scene we see more outstanding direction and cinematography as Ralston makes the final journey to his rescue. The best part about this final sequence is that we know what happens but while watching we are at the edge of our seat. We put aside what we already know and just go along for the ride. The direction causes us to be unsure if he will make it or not. That is the brilliance of "127 Hours" and Boyle's production team.I highly recommend this film as it is one of the best stories and film of at least the last few years. Boyle said it best and I'll end this review with his quote:"This is a film about how precious life is. And it's only precious because of other people. It's not precious in itself, which is what we sometimes think - we think the will to survive is an individualistic thing. ... But it's actually connected to other people. And that's what the life essence is really about - it's always about other people, even in the loneliest places." - Danny Boyle[...]

Emma Hancock

(2012-04-26 02:25:45)

There's only so long you can spin something out.

The summary says it all. There is no arguing this mans determination,grit and human strength; I also have no doubt in my mind that thismakes an amazing tale and book. However, there really is only so longyou can spin out a guy falling down a hole and getting trapped and itisn't 90 minutes, not by a long shot. It becomes tedious, also you haveno sense of love for this character,he comes across as a reckless fool,perhaps they should of built up his character more in the first halfand then him have his accident?So yeah, 1* for the amazing tale and the thing it could have been, -9*for the thing it isn't -Emma

edwagreen

(2012-04-14 06:50:22)

127 Hours- You Can't Wait for this to End **

What's all the fuss about John Franco in this 2010 film? He is as blandhere as we was as the emcee on the 83rd annual Academy Awards show.What excitement? Unfortunately, a man's hand gets trapped in a gorgeand he spends 1 1/2 hours trying to free himself. He videotapes himselfin the process as he thinks back to former times, which of course hadto be better.We really don't have to know about his biological experiences duringall this. Safe to say that it's all down-right disgusting.Who told him to go on such a desolate journey to begin with? Thisstory, while true, is basically another Robinson Crusoe. It deals withman against the elements.

treeskier802

(2012-04-14 02:59:43)

What Would You Do?

The story of Aron Ralston is documented in this intense drama. It's thetrue story of Ralston who found himself stuck in a cave in Utah withhis arm pinned under a bolder. I knew much of the story before Iwatched this film and honestly was a bit queezy as to what might beshown. I'm the sort who does not do well seeing blood and guts andwatching this movie was a true test for me. If you are the type ofperson who gets queezy over stuff like this, I must say view withcaution. If you can stomach watching this film, however, you willwitness an incredible true story that you will never forget.James Franco is really good in this film. Ralston himself has said thefilm is very true to what actually happened. It is quite a predicamentthat he is in and all the thoughts that go through his mind are onesthat most would contemplate. What Ralston does to survive this ordealis unbelievable and something that many if not most people could notforce themselves to do. Rating 7 of 10 starts.

(2012-04-05 00:36:13)

An Inspirational Conquest of The Human Spirit

127 Hours is a 2010 film directed by Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire). He is making amazing and realistic films on tiny fractions of the budget it takes for any fat pompous producer's wallet to hock films about androids who turn into minivans, and he's winning the praise of his peers in doing so. If I had Danny Boyle over for dinner I'll bet he could take my camcorder and create a ten minute short film that might be good enough for an Oscar nomination. He's that good, and that's why he can take an inspirational story about real-life climber Aron Ralston, who in May of 2003 was forced to amputate his own arm to free himself from a boulder that had fallen on him, and make a movie out of it. True that it's an inspirational story, but at the same time it's still a movie about a guy who is trapped suffering in a canyon for more than five days and eventually makes the decision to break his arm and slowly cut it off with a cheap jackknife. On the surface it certainly doesn't seem to sound like a story a mainstream audience would want to sit through for 90 minutes, but if church groups can bring kids to see The Passion of the Christ, and mobs of kids can go see repeated glorification of humans potentially ending life on Earth, then you can see a movie about one guy who would do the unthinkable to talk to his mother and father again, to fix up a relationship with a woman he loved, to see his sister get married, and to hold his unborn son for the first time. It is an enriching film about one man whose life was faced with a horrendous obstacle that smashed his hand and his whole life forever. In the prime of Aron's life he very suddenly found himself staring death right in the face, and told death he was simply not ready. There was no way this guy was going to die, not like this. Boyle and his team should be praised for taking an effectually unfilmmable concept and turning into the best film of 2010.127 Hours follows the true story of Raltson (play brilliantly by James Franco), an adventurous mountain climber and canyoneer, who has to save himself after a boulder traps his hand and him in an isolated canyon in Utah. Throughout the next 127 hours Ralston assesses his life before the boulder fell on him. He eventually musters the courage to amputate his arm, climb a 60 foot canyon wall, and tread for 8 miles before finally being rescued. Be warned, it is as realistic an ordeal as you can imagine so the camera doesn't look away when he makes the difficult decision to leave his arm behind.Obviously this is a film that simply would not work without a great casting choice followed by a truly great performance. James Franco has, along with perhaps Natalie Portman in Black Swan, put together the best performance I've seen so far in 2010, which has been a very strong year, but I still have movies to see. Franco more than deserves the praise he is getting. It is another level displayed by this great young actor and if he doesn't win an Oscar for this, he will get his recognition in time.In real-life Ralston has said the film is almost like a documentary of what happened to him. I'm sure it was uncomfortable for him to watch, as it was certainly uncomfortable at times for me, but in the end the reward of life is worth it. 127 Hours really is a meditation on and a celebration of life. I can only hope that if I were in that canyon I would have the courage to make such a decision and shame on me if I couldn't, given how fortunate I am to have the things I have. Few films made in the last ten or so years had me pondering these kinds of things, and if I were to ask myself why I watch and love movies, I might say because I hope to find further reverence for life and the most powerful encouragement to live it fully. This movie gets my highest recommendation.

disdressed12

(2012-04-04 12:36:29)

James Franco is brilliant

127 Hours is the story of Aron Ralston,a mountain climber who decidesone day to go on a trek by himself and not tell anyone where he isgoing.he ends up pinned under a rock in the bottom of a narrowcanyon.the rest of the movie is him trying to somehow free himselfbefore he dies as his food and water supplies dry up.there is aparticularly gruesome scene in the film that may bother those with aweak stomach.you'll know when it's about to happen,so you'll havechance to look away.James Franco plays Ralston,and is brilliant.themovie succeeds or fails on his performance.the direction by Danny Boyleis good here too.he makes up for the substandard(in my opinion)SlumdogMillionaire.for me,127 Hours is a an 8/10

baylon-kris

(2012-03-28 01:21:43)

An audio-visual representation of genuine human emotion

It has only been about an hour since I saw this film and I still can'tcome up with the right words to articulate this overwhelming feeling.Ripping it down to its rawest form presents a very simple story about aman, Aron Ralston, who faces death in doing what he likes the most,canyoneering. This is a film that doesn't rely solely on how the filmconcludes. Instead, the point is embedded in the longevity of the storyin the film itself. It is the experience of getting stuck in what mayseem to be just a crack in the middle of a canyon, wherein humanemotion in its truest form can still be felt by the audience, that Isaw its significance and its relevance. This is a very unlikely plot togenerate an experience that represents raw emotions, yet nothing shortin authenticity.Putting the plot in the context of filmmaking, there are just too manyaspects in this film that are very well put together for me to dissectand criticize. Everything was placed in the right place at the righttime. The utilization as well as the style of editing, cinematography,sound editing, sound mixing and musical scoring all worked harmoniouslyin the audio-visual representation of the story.127 Hours is one of those films where one actor will have to carry thewhole film to either its success or its demise. Fortunately, actorJames Franco has gone a long way in his acting career by making theright decisions or else, he might not have made it to Aron Ralston'splace, stuck in that deep gorge. The true-to-life story adapted inDanny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy's screenplay requires a young characterwho is extreme and strong-hearted especially during difficult times,yet has his deep relationships with the people around him as both hisweakness and his strength. This complicated, yet true of a character, Icould not have imagined being portrayed by any other actor.This symphony by Danny Boyle has once again proved himself to be avisionary filmmaker contributing to my world a picture worth consuming.

sendtomy

(2012-03-27 08:48:36)

Average

An empty guy falls into a hole, spends a lot of time in there lookingfor ways out and into himself, finding that his life was empty. He thencuts his arm and liberates himself. Period. That's the plot. What wasgood: music, some scenes with his camcorder. What was bad: shaky camerawork, lack of any food for thought. I could not detect any characterdevelopment, although some of the reviewers were exulting about thehuman spirit etc. What I saw was a reckless alpha-male, who even inthat terrible situation kept thinking about females and even attemptedto masturbate. Unless you are into one-man-horror movies, skip thisone. A 6 out of 10 is a very generous vote here - this work is verymediocre.

Harry T. Yung

(2012-03-19 17:11:46)

James Franco's Oscar bid

I don't know the odds for this to happen (one in a million?) but it didhappen – in 2003 Aron Ralston on a solo wilderness adventure slippedand fell into a canyon crevice together with a boulder that pinned hisright lower arm against the stone wall. He was stuck there in themiddle of nowhere for 127 hours and would have died had he not cut offhis lower forearm with a blunt multi-purpose instrument. Danny Boylehad the guts to make this into a movie which turns out to be at onceexcruciatingly painful and fascinatingly absorbing to watch. On oneplain, it's a gruelling experience, even if only through a movie. Therehave been reports of people in the audience fainting. On the otherplain, it's fascinating to observe Boyle's skill in telling this storythat is almost impossible to tell.The prelude is full of zest and life, showing Ralston's chanceencounter with two girls sort of lost in their expedition and how hetook them to explore a fabulous underground pool. The sequence showedthe sunny side of his character – outgoing, friendly, witty, confident,perhaps a little reckless – accentuating the later ordeal which drawsout his gutsy, cool determination. Anyway, they parted cheerfully andhe resumed his expedition…..and "Oops" (watch for how this expressionis used in the movie).It's a trying experience to physically empathize with a man trappedimmobilized in the middle of nowhere waiting for a slow death.Fortunately or unfortunately, Boyle has done a terrific job in creatingthat empathy. Even worse is suffering with him the wave after wave ofhope and frustration – pushing and pulling, scraping the crack,devising a pulley system. Later still, the protagonist went through atransition from imagination to hallucination. In addition to atop-notch director, and even more importantly, it takes a great actorto draw the audience into this agonizing ordeal. James Franco didexactly that, and deserves an Oscar.What makes the movie work is that the depiction is not all one-sidedgloom although the situation seems hopeless. There is one marvellousscene showing the sunlight moving through the crevice in which Ralstonis trapped – 15 minutes of direct sunlight he get each day. Theemotional height the audience experience is almost indescribable. Thereis also the self-recording video showing Ralston's death-defying senseof humour, and what makes this priceless is that it is real, based onthe video he actually took during the ordeal.As we all know, the story has a happy ending. Despite the physical lossof his hand and lower forearm, Aron Ralston is leading a happy, healthyfamily life, continues to be an adventurer and helps people by sharinghis inspiring experience.One thought going through his mind in the ordeal however is haunting,something to the effect that "This piece of rock, ever since itsformation centuries ago, has been waiting for me since my birth,waiting for this day to end my life" – something for the audience toponder. Is there really a thing called "fate"?

MLDinTN

(2012-03-19 11:47:46)

a survival story with little action

I thought this movie was OK, but I would have liked more action. It wasmore of a made for TV movie. Some how the writer made it stretch outover 90 minutes even though most of the film has Aron trapped by theboulder. To fill space, we are shown what Aron's thinking about, likedrinking water and being free with family or friends. He also talks tohis camera, filming what's he thinking. Aron is depicted as being somewhat cocky in the beginning. He seems to think he can climb rocks andgo down ravines with ease and not be worried since he was by himself. Iwonder if that how the real guy was. The only other characters are 2girls he meets at the beginning and they go swimming in this cool waterhole.FINAL VERDICT: Not enough oomph for me. I say skip it.

shayne-923

(2012-03-13 17:21:16)

Doesn't have a great affect if you already know the ending, but still enjoyable

The fact that almost everyone knows the outcome and events that aregoing to occur before watching the movie takes away a lot of thesuspense and emotions that one would normally feel towards the film.Since we all know the story of Aron Ralston, the movie just seemed likea really good reenactment of the situation. However, if you don'talready know the story then the movie would be great. I still believeit was a good movie and a powerful one as well. James Franco was greatand it surprisingly did not get boring considering the movie consistedof one main character and setting. Overall, it was good while it lastedbut didn't stick with me and have the same affect as it would if i didnot know everything that was going to happen.

Movie_Muse_Reviews

(2012-03-13 05:16:39)

Boyle and Franco turn a true survival story into a powerful statement about living

As demonstrated by his ability to earn acclaim in everything fromzombie films ("28 Days Later") to foreign coming-of-age love stories("Slumdog Millionaire"), Danny Boyle has an extraordinary gift as afilmmaker and in "127 Hours," he channels it into an extraordinarystory of human willpower. This could have easily been a compelling butplain and ordinary documentary on the Discovery Channel or NationalGeographic about a man pinned under a boulder who miraculouslysurvives. Boyle, however, transforms it into a powerful statement aboutthe will to live and where that motivation truly comes from."127 Hours" does not simply prove the point that humans will dowhatever it takes to survive in dire circumstances. In fact, I mightargue 9 of 10 people wouldn't do what Aron Ralston (James Franco) doesin this film. Anyway, Boyle makes it his mission to use Ralston'sincredible true story -- one that told at face value would probablyjust elicit gasps -- to alter our perspective on living. What's obvious is that none of the impact of "127 Hours" is possiblewithout Franco. A film about a man trapped in a crevice for more thanfive days needs a heck of a lead actor and Franco, despite few dramaticcredits to this point, proves beyond capable. Although boredom mightset in for some during this film given its plot, the believability ofFranco's performance remains constant and irrefutable. He possesses thefun-loving and care-free charisma of Ralston then slowly breaks thatshell and shows his human fragility.Yet remarkably, Boyle leaves a substantial thumbprint on the film, muchof which he shares with co-writer Simon Beaufoy, also of "Slumdog."Because the story is so straightforward, Boyle recognizes imagery andperception provide his only means of creativity. He shows us inside thetube of Ralston's water backpack, water bottle and other close-ups, allof which seem unnecessary, but they establish images which we will cometo think about with a different perspective as the film wears on, suchas when Aron drinks his own settled urine out of the water pouch. Boyleuses the same process shot, but suddenly we don't see it the way we didearlier and they become more meaningful than tedious.This subtly effective technique can also be found in the beginning andending shots of the film. It seems completely random that Boyle wouldopen with crowded streets of people as if he's tricked us and reallymade "Slumdog 2," but the image gains significance after experiencingRalston's journey."127 Hours" will not be kind to people who don't take lightly to seeingblood outside of the "shoot 'em up" genre. Many of these people willleave the film thinking all they got was shock value, but of coursethere's much more to it. Despite the "how will he survive?" plot, asubstantial amount of time is placed on flashes to memories Aron thinksof regarding his family, fantasies and of course, regrets. Boylebeautifully shows us that although survival seems an inherently selfishthing, much of that motivation and will to live comes from otherpeople, even total strangers. Aron thinks a lot of the girls (Kata Maraand Amber Tamblyn) he hiked with just hours before the accident thoughotherwise he'd have likely forgotten them.The build-up and catharsis of Aron's story might not be the mostpowerful and uplifting based-on-true-story you've witnessed, but "127Hours" clearly surpasses expectation in terms of the message it sendsand the impact it leaves. With it, Boyle solidifies his place as one ofthose filmmakers you must always have an eye on and Franco emerges as arelatable everyman with above-everyman-grade talent.~Steven CVisit my site http://moviemusereviews.com

(2012-03-10 07:59:27)

Excellent!

Brilliant! James Franco is incredible and the story is not just about a guy cutting off his arm, it's very inspirational! Sad that many people have yet to have seen it, definitely watch it!

Roland E. Zwick

(2012-03-09 13:26:28)

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.

Jackson Booth-Millard

(2012-03-09 11:54:15)

127 Hours

From BAFTA nominated director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 DaysLater, Slumdog Millionaire), I had seen him talking about this film hewas making on Film 2010 with Jonathan Ross, and it sounded veryinteresting. Based on the true story, it is 2003, Aron Ralston(Spider-Man's Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated James Franco) wasan adventurer, and his favourite hobby was mountain climbing, so heplans his next trip to the isolated Canyonlands National Park of Utah,with it's many smooth rock faces, slopes and caverns. He has not toldanyone he knows where he is going, and the last two people to behanging around with Aron in the canyon were Megan McBride (AmberTamblyn) and Kristi Moore (Kate Mara). Soon after leaving the girlsAron continues climbing, and exploring the Blue John Canyon, when heslips, dislodging a large rock boulder which crushed his right forearm,pinning it to the canyon wall. So begins the 127 hours, i.e. five daysand seven hours, of the title, the total amount of time he was trappedwithout anyone around to rescue him and knowing no-one will be lookingfor him. With his left arm free Aron tries to find ways to try andrelease his already helpless arm from the rock, or dislodge the rock,using any strength or tools he has at his disposal. While doing this heoccasionally films himself on his digital camera, drinks the verylittle water he has left, and eating the food he has little of. Aroneventually finishes the water and forces himself to drink his ownurine, and as the time gets slower he also has small flashback andflash-forward visions of the girlfriend he left, before leaving forUtah, the girls he met, and what he could have been doing. Beleiving hewill soon die he films his goodbyes to his family in case the footageis found, and he carves his birth and supposed death date on the cavernwall. Dehydrated and delirious Aron finally made the dramatic decisionto get himself out bu using a rope to tourniquet (stop any bleeding)and his small tool knife to cut through the elbow area and break free.Once he worked his way outside, he made his way down the cliffs andwith not much energy he does manage to get the attention of some peoplenearby, who give him water, and call a helicopter to rescue him. Thefinal end credits, featuring the real Aron Ralston, said that he gotmarried, had a child, and from now on always make sure to let everyoneknow where he is going. Also starring ClГѓВ©mence PoГѓВ©sy as Rana, LizzyCaplan as Sonja Ralston, Treat Williams as Aron's Dad and Kate Burtonas Aron's Mom. You could say this is a near one person movie, like CastAway before, only it is based on reality, with a fantastic performanceby Franco in a film that relies on great editing and some moving music,you do have to squeamish gory arm removal, but it doesn't make anydifference to the entertainment you will get from this mesmerising truestory drama. It was nominated the Oscars for Best Motion Picture of theYear, Best Editing, Best Music for A.R. Rahman, Best Song for Dido's"If I Rise" and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material PreviouslyProduced or Published, it was nominated the BAFTAs for the AlexanderKorda Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year, the AnthonyAsquith Award for Film Music, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, BestAdapted Screenplay and Best Sound, and it was nominated the GoldenGlobes for Best Original Score and Best Screenplay. Very good!

Mandip Sembhi

(2012-03-09 00:22:43)

A Very Good Movie!

This movie is just amazing... from watching the trailers and promos iknew that this movie will be amazing and it was... super-amazing! Firstof all, this movie is base on a true story.Danny Boyle is an amazing film-maker, first giving us the blockbusterSlumdog Millionaire and now this super-doper movie! He really knows howto make a good film and with a great story line.James Franco the star of the movie really did a super-job. He took onhis character very well and his acting was very, very, very good. 127Hours is one of his best movies.Everything else, soundtrack was great. The editing was done great...A have to see movie.My review: 9/10