Ron Howard Showing Off Some of His Genius
I am giving this film a much better review than most others would give it. Maybe it's because I am gripped by suspense much easier than others, but either way, this film is impressive both as a dramatic piece and as a visual masterpiece. The only thing I regret about watching this movie was that I did so in the middle of a transpacific flight. This movie is a classic and I can't believe I had not watched it up to this point. Kudos, Ron Howard, kudos.
Of course, it helps to have an amazing cast to work with. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris all brought something a little unique to the table that combined into a stellar overall performance. The main credit, however, needs to be given to Howard, who not only brought these men together to create a wonderful movie, but also constructed a totally unique world in space. I mean, think about it. They had to film the weightless scenes using a KC-135 aircraft over and over again. These extreme efforts create an extraordinarily realistic setting that can be captivating for viewers. Not only that, the creation of a Murphy's Law movie that occurs in space creates the perfect level of suspense and drama that will have you biting your nails until the very end. It's really a shame that Ron Howard didn't get any nomination nods for this one, but I guess that'll happen when your movie gets released the same year as Braveheart.
The movie was, however, lacking in a few areas. First, the movie was entirely about space. There was a short attempt at cultivating the home relationship between Hanks and Kathleen Quinlan, but as soon as she started crying or sobbing, the camera went right back into space, leaving no time to develop her story into anything meaningful; there were a lot of dead ends with her dialogue. Second, seeing as how the movie was only rated PG, there was no real room for grittiness, which I think would have helped the movie out a bit.
But these things can be overlooked based on the fact that this is a movie about space and the line between life and death is so narrow. Definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it already.
Written August 16, 2013
Of course, it helps to have an amazing cast to work with. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris all brought something a little unique to the table that combined into a stellar overall performance. The main credit, however, needs to be given to Howard, who not only brought these men together to create a wonderful movie, but also constructed a totally unique world in space. I mean, think about it. They had to film the weightless scenes using a KC-135 aircraft over and over again. These extreme efforts create an extraordinarily realistic setting that can be captivating for viewers. Not only that, the creation of a Murphy's Law movie that occurs in space creates the perfect level of suspense and drama that will have you biting your nails until the very end. It's really a shame that Ron Howard didn't get any nomination nods for this one, but I guess that'll happen when your movie gets released the same year as Braveheart.
The movie was, however, lacking in a few areas. First, the movie was entirely about space. There was a short attempt at cultivating the home relationship between Hanks and Kathleen Quinlan, but as soon as she started crying or sobbing, the camera went right back into space, leaving no time to develop her story into anything meaningful; there were a lot of dead ends with her dialogue. Second, seeing as how the movie was only rated PG, there was no real room for grittiness, which I think would have helped the movie out a bit.
But these things can be overlooked based on the fact that this is a movie about space and the line between life and death is so narrow. Definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it already.
Written August 16, 2013