The Walk

For someone who doesn't like dramas and Robert Zemeckis in particular, this was a pleasant surprise. I was worried that the whole film would be boring and it wouldn't be until the last 15 minutes that Joseph Gordon-Levitt gots on the rope, I was wrong. Nice and entertaining pace from the start, Gordon-Levitt is great, I can see him as a future star who will be fighting for golden statues, all the preparation and motivation was quite engaging and the ending itself was surreal. I witnessed something truly great, spectacular, my legs ached, I felt dizzy, I almost went mad and Gordon-Levitt has my admiration. Great. 80%. (12/22/2015)

In Rush, it doesn't really matter which character you sympathise with, because you understand the attitudes, opinions and motivations of both, they just take different paths. With Man on a Rope, you sympathise with no one, or rather you don't understand the motivations of the main or secondary characters (comparissons are warranted given the strong will of the protagonists to prove "something" at any cost). Thus, the viewer cannot get into them and finds them completely flat and uninteresting. With the film's concept and cheap means of expression (for today's times), Robert Zemeckis is stuck somewhere 20 years back, only he didn't understand that times are moving inexorably forward and there have been plenty of attempts like this, though in a less visually sophisticated way. So much untapped acting potential (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley), and so many unnecessarily obvious screenwriting crutches and underdevelopment – the biggest failure of A-list Hollywood this year. Forrest Gump was heartfelt, this may be just about heartfelt for the Yanks, but for the normally minded viewer it's just a showcase for effects masters. Otherwise it's a load of bullshit, unnecessary tears and pathos. (10/10/2015)

Homage to a fallen monument. Another masterpiece from Zemeckis with a great story, breathtaking effects and a heart thumping inside. Gordon-Levitt brings Petit to life just fabulously. He chatters, recounts and there’s never a dull moment. Digifest, sure. Over-Americanized, sure. But if it all benefits the story, I don’t care. Let me introduce myself, my name is Philippe Petit and I’m a tightrope walker. (10/14/2015)

It's like I went back in time fifteen years. Robert Zemeckis tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary dreamer at his usual unpretentious pace, leading the main character to a breathtaking catharsis in the final moments. And yet it doesn't reach the quality of the similar Cast Away and Contact, mainly because this is exactly what I expect from him, and therefore the surprising or even seat-raising moment is missing. On the other hand, The Walk referenced in the movie's title is arresting, and shows in full force what could be sensed from the beginning: that Philippe Petit is not at all petite as artists go, but more with the heart of Le Petit Prince, far above us in his head and desires – in the heights that remain forbidden to mere mortals like us. (10/08/2015)

A stunning digifest with a beating heart that only Robert Zemeckis could have given it. A celebration of enthusiasm, determination and courage. A tribute to the Twin Towers. Lovely French charm. After a long time, Alan Silvestri’s soundtrack soothes the ear. A nice role for Gordon-Levitt. (10/07/2015)