Review: 127 Hours

I sort of have a love-dislike relationship with Danny Boyle. Shallow Grave, A Life Less Ordinary, 28 Days Later and Sunshine are some of my favorite films, but I haven't even bothered to watch Boyle's other films as they don't appeal to me at all.

Now here's his latest film, 127 Hours. On the one hand, we have an interesting story. On the other, James Franco. While I know very well that he is a good actor. I knew that long before I saw 127 Hours as I've been following his career for about a decade, since he became one to watch with roles in Freaks and Geeks and James Dean. Over the years, I just feel he's becoming more and more pretentious. Basically my love for James Franco the actor transformed into a strong dislike for the person these past 10 years.

So James Franco carrying an entire film? Oddly, it kinda works here. Let's face it, Aron was kinda stupid. Yes, go climbing without a buddy. Yes, go do that without letting anyone know where you're going. I sighed to my sister, so this is what people who don't have enough stress in their lives do? They are bored and seeking adventure and think they can just do it all. In that respect, James Franco is perfect for the role. And I swear, he gives a beautiful performance. But really, is it a better performance than Ryan Reynolds trapped in a box in Buried? In my opinion, no. I could feel Ryan's frustration and desperation. Franco's not so much. So why is James getting all the love and is Ryan overlooked? Probably because 127 Hours is based on a true story, it ended on a positive note and is helmed by an Academy Award-winning director.

As for the film, I wasn't fond of the use of splitscreens. I felt it was unnecessary. It's a simple film based on a true story. No splitscreens, this isn't 24. While I'm totally on board that this is a good film, I think an Oscar nomination for Best Picture is a bit too much. I don't think it's anywhere near as good as Boyle's other films I mentioned earlier. A 3/5.

Review: Sunshine

I mostly dig Danny Boyle's work. Shallow Grave, A Life Less Ordinary and 28 Days Later are all pretty damn great in my opinion. (Remind me again why I haven't seen Trainspotting?) Of course I had to check out Sunshine with its interesting premise and the raves about Chris Evans' performance.



The movie takes place fifty years into the future. A team of astronauts are sent to re-ignite the dying sun after a team on a similiar mission failed to do so several years earlier.

SPOILERS BEWARE! Sunshine is a beautiful movie. I mean, the effects, the score, the acting.. great! I was greatly intrigued until the undead religious captain showed up and decides to murder the crew. Was that really necessary? The story was interesting and suspenseful enough without the added 'horror' element. Why did the movie have to end up being Jason X? /SPOILERS

Anyways, the entire cast was good. Cillian Murphy is always terrific and, if I may add, a stunningly beautiful man. I have liked Chris Evans since I first saw him in 2001's Not Another Teen Movie. He's a good actor, but I didn't get what was so special about his performance until his last scene. Fantastic! Now I remember why I thought Chris would become a huge star someday.

Overall, Sunshine is definitely worth a look. A 4/5.