woensdag 30 december 2015

Still (2014)
 Nederlands Hier
Summary :
Set in North London, 'Still' is a gritty and atmospheric thriller about the violent disintegration of a man and father. Tom Carver is stumbling blindly towards a crossroad in his life, thrown out of focus by the death of his teenage son a year earlier. He becomes involved in a feud with a teenage gang after a seemingly harmless collision with a young kid. As the feud becomes more horrifying, Carver's world starts to unravel forcing him to make decisions that will change his life forever.

Genre
: Thriller
Country : UK

Cast
:

Aidan Gillen : Tom Carver
Jonathan Slinger : Ed
Elodie Yung : Christina

Director : Simon Blake

My opinion     

"Whenever I was away... Jobs, meetings, whatever...
Whenever there was a pause, a silence, my thoughts would just drift towards him.
He was always the first thing that came into my head.
Sometimes the only thing."


"Still" is gray, gloomy, depressing and poignant at the same time. It shows how someone, torn by grief after the loss of his son, leads a self-destructive life and immerses himself into a downward spiral. A hopeless life with alcohol and drugs as support. The film begins with the sound of the fatal accident and snapshots of the victim. Initially, it's a character study of Tom Carver (Aidan Gillen), a freelance photographer. But gradually it evolves into a dark thriller when a seemingly harmless incident arises between Tom and a local rascal. What follows is a threatening situation full of intimidation, confrontation and criminal offenses. A situation that gradually escalates until Tom decides to take the law into his own hands. A film where the viewer wonders : "What would I do in the same situation?".


The first thing I wondered was: "How for God's sake is it possible that an individual such as Tom could get such a gorgeous girlfriend as Christina (Elodie Yung)?". And his ex-wife Rachel (Amanda Mealing) isn't exactly ugly either and has kept in touch with him. And at certain times you get the feeling that she wants him back. However, Tom looks like a drunken bum who lives in a squat-like house, somewhere in London. His destructive way of living, filled with alcohol and drugs, plus his with grief tormented spirit, aren't exactly qualities you search for when you want to start a serious relationship.


The film starts of as a character study about the person Tom. Someone who languishes at home, who visits he grave of his son regularly together with his ex and who tries to do his job. But gradually it transforms into a full-blown thriller that leads into an outright revenge film. The thriller part is the least successful part. First of all the street kids weren't really threatening at all. Initially it all started innocent with some meaningless pranks and intimidating confrontations. Tom isn't exactly a McClane-like guy, but rather a typical family man who tries to avoid aggressiveness. The reason why the gangs revenge reached such a groundbreaking peak with Christina as victim, looked pretty far-fetched. Was this an attempt to support the revenge motive? And this revenge part is another story. A horrifying moment in which you sympathize with Tom and in a way you'll understand his decision. But at the same time deep inside yourself, you'll feel something isn't right in his reasoning and his upcoming action is unacceptable.


All in all this was once again a decent British project with brilliant performances. Especially Gillen plays a magnificent part. A rendition that evokes both pity and disapproval. Meanwhile the other performances were excellent as well. A film that fits perfectly in a big city like London. Would this be a Hollywood production, it would be bigger, full of trifling action and exaggerated drama. However, it's the minimalist and restrained character that makes this movie so great. And in the end the same question came up: "What the hell would I do if I were in his shoes?"


My rating 6/10

Links : IMDB

Still (2014) on IMDb

zondag 27 december 2015

He never died (2015)


Summary :

 Nederlands HierJack's in a rut. Depression and severe anti-social behavior has whittled down his existence to sleeping and watching television. Seeing the human race as little more than meat with a pulse, Jack has no interest to bond with anyone. There's little purpose for him to make friends with someone he'd eventually eat or outlive by more than a millennia. The fuse is lit when Jack's past comes back to rattle him. Jack must now walk a tight rope of sobriety and try to eat as few people as possible in this violent tale of personal responsibility.

Genre
: Horror/Comedy
Country : USA/Canada

Cast
:

Henry Rollins : Jack
Booboo Stewart : Jeremy
Steven Ogg : Alex

Director : Jason Krawczyk

My opinion    

“My landlord thought I was robbing my own appartment.
Really? Isn’t your landlord, like, 90 years old?”


A brilliant, original horror. That's what you might say after watching "He never died". A subtle mix of sometimes gory images and clever humor. And this shown in an even surprising way by Henry Rollins, the former frontman of the legendary punk band "Black flag". A bundle of muscles who already surprised in the past with his poetry. And now he shows that he's also capable to take a leading role for his account. His stoic calmness and indifference create hilarious situations several times. And the story on his own is contrived in such an original way. I watched with amazement and after a while I was wondering what the hell it was about anyway. Did it have something to do with vampirism? Was Jack a solitary zombie (due to his grayish look) who attempts to remain anonymous? And what about those demonic and satanic sounds he sometimes makes?



Jack (Henry Rollins) seems depressed and drags on through life as a worn out man. The only things he does to fill his days is sleep, eat something in the same small restaurant and occasionally play bingo among the elderly. Waitress Cara (Kate Greenhouse) tries to change Jack's fatalistic attitude. But she isn't really successful in doing that. Jack clearly isn't enthusiastic about her flirting. Most of the time a quiet, nondescript look is his answer to it and then he turns his back on her without blinking. Also, his daughter Andrea (Jordan Todosey), who appeared out of nowhere, can't break down this erected wall of aloofness. It's obvious Jack isn't an ordinary, average citizen. The title of the film, of course, reveals much and isn't really a spoiler. Apparently Jack is immortal and needs his dose of blood on a regular base. When his blood supplier Jeremy (Booboo Stewart) (an intern who works in a hospital, I suppose) runs into trouble with a local gang of criminals, he's no longer able to provide Jack with the much needed blood. After his daughter is being kidnapped, all hell breaks loose with the obvious casualties. Except Jack, of course ... 



Rollins is a performer and this movie was the appropriate stage for him. His imperturbable gaze and brute force gave him a Schwarzenegger-like appearance. The limited conversations with brief, evasive answers contributed to the overall tone of this absurd film. A fatal head injury made such an impression on him as a tiny splinter in his finger. Unmoved he uses pliers to treat the injuries. At that time I wondered whether it was meant humorously or creepy. He's an emotionless bloke who storms through a decaying society like a bulldozer, full of rage and aggressiveness. At first Jack seems to be a dull figure, but when his true identity is revealed in the end, his way of reacting and his world-weariness is justified.


I'm afraid that "He never died" will only appeal to a limited audience . And I belong to that limited audience. I appreciate such an absurd horror filled with brutal violence and a special  storyline once and a while. The subtle humor was enjoyable. And above all, they made sure it didn't become a parody. "He never died" exceeds all horror-comedy up to now. And probably until eternity ...


My rating 7/10

Links : IMDB

He Never Died (2015) on IMDb

woensdag 23 december 2015

Everest (2015)
 Nederlands HierSummary :
On the morning of May 10, 1996, climbers from two commercial expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. With little warning, a violent storm strikes the mountain, engulfing the adventurers in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered by man. Challenged by the harshest conditions imaginable, the teams must endure blistering winds and freezing temperatures in an epic battle to survive against nearly impossible odds.

Genre
: Adventure/Biography/Drama
Country : USA/UK/Iceland

Cast
:

Jason Clarke : Rob Hall
Josh Brolin : Beck Weathers
Emily Watson : Helen Wilton

Director : Michael Medaglia


My opinion    

"To put it simply, guys.
Human beings simply aren't built to function at the cruising altitude of a 747.”


Why the hell would I watch how a group of adventurers tries to reach the top of Mount Everest guided by a seasoned mountaineer, after they've paid a generous amount of money? An average family could book a few all-inclusive vacations for that kind of money. And it could also be something adventurous where you could admire breathtaking panoramas. Only the chances you'd die during such a voyage is significantly smaller. And just like the traveling journalist Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly), I asked myself the big question : why the hell would someone decide to do something like climbing Mount Everest? Is it something masochistic? A dream that they are pursuing? Is it about pushing your own boundaries? Or is it to boost your self-esteem, knowing that you are one of few who managed to achieve this? Unfortunately, however, you won't get an answer to that question here.


And yet I couldn't resist to go watch this movie on the big screen. Partly because I was expecting some impressive images in this mountainous landscape. And this time I wouldn't make the same mistake as with "Gravity". I'm not going to wait for the DVD or VOD version and then think of Mount Everest as being a measly little mountain. Even though I have a huge flat screen. "Gravity" turned out to be a deep disappointment. On the other hand there are all these famous actors who collaborate in this film. If you succeed in convincing Jason Clarke, Sam Worthington, Emily Watson, Keira Knightley, Josh Brolin and Jake Gyllenhaal to co-operate in this semi-disaster movie, you're holding all the trump cards anyway. For me personally, the fact that Jake Gyllenhaal is in it, was already a reason to watch this film. And he didn't disappoint as the somewhat eccentric expedition leader Scott Fischer (although his contribution is rather limited). Even Knightley (her smile frightens me more than my fear of heights) didn't stop me.



"Everest" can be split up into two main parts. The first is dedicated to the participating mountaineers and their background. Ample time will be taken to study those characters in depth and explain their motives. First there's Rob Hall (Clarke). A kindhearted person who respects the immense mountain. He's the first who commercialized the concept of reaching the summit. You could call it a city trip to the summit of Mount Everest. Then there's Scott Fisher (Gyllenhaal) who leads a competing tour company. An eccentric who couldn't care less about strict regulations and who has a "we will swiftly climb up that mountain" attitude. And in the field of competitors we first see Doug (John Hawkes), a not so wealthy ordinary postman who almost reached the top before and now is determined to succeed in his final attempt. The only female participant is Yasuko Namba (Naoko Mori) who has already climbed six of the seven major peaks. Then there's Beck (Josh "Oldboy" Brolin) whose motivation for climbing the notorious mountains is fed by a marriage that is faltering. And finally Jon Krakauer (Michael Kelly), the journalist who wants to make a documentary about this venture. Obviously this is the least action-packed part.


The ascent to the top is of course the second main part of the film. Superbly visualized and filmed. The physical suffering and perseverance of the participants is more realistic than expected. You can admire hallucinatory panoramas which make you feel as if you were on that hillside yourself. And when the weather changes drastically, it's all just about surviving. It's another demonstration of how small we are as human beings in relation to the elements of nature. A trial of strength between man and nature. Of course, this is the most exciting and intense part of the film. Unfortunately the outcome is known in advance. The only surprise element that remained was who'd survive this hellish journey in the end.


What was the cause of this disaster eventually? Was it because of overconfidence? The fact that it was reasonably crowded at the foot of the Mount Everest and thus the commercialization indirectly caused it? Or was it just bad luck that a severe storm hit them? This is a story of human failure in the annals of world mountaineering. That's irrefutable. But what about all those other victims worldwide while climbing gigantic mountain peaks? Ultimately, one can only conclude from this that we are powerless against murderous nature. Eventually the leading role in "Everest" is reserved for the mountain itself. Notwithstanding the hallucinatory images and suspense, this wasn't a highlight for me when it's about movies in 2015.


My rating 5/10

Links : IMDB

Everest (2015) on IMDb

dinsdag 22 december 2015

Deep Dark (2015)
 Nederlands Hier
Summary :
Hermann, a failed sculptor, is about to kill himself when he finds a strange, talking hole in the wall. The creature in the hole has the power to fulfill his wildest dreams, but things go horribly wrong and when the killing starts, Hermann is thrust into the worst nightmare of his life. Deep Dark is a twisted tale warning you to be careful what you wish for, because it just might get you

Genre
: Horror/Fantasy
Country : USA

Cast
:

Denis Poirier : The Hole
Sean McGrath : Hermann Haig
Anne Sorce : Devora Klein

Director : Michael Medaglia

My opinion   

I get lonely here all by myself.
How about I help you make mobiles, and in return, all you have to do is spend time with me?
That's it?
That's it. Partners?
Uh, yeah, yeah, partners. If you had a hand, I'd shake it.


There are movies that go beyond your understanding. You're left behind with a "what-the-hell-was-this" feeling. Films which are sinister, totally crazy and utterly surrealistic. Movies that'll make you say : "This can never be outperformed in terms of bizarreness". And then there's "Deep Dark". Too bizarre for words. Surreal and unreal at the same time. An ancient concept is used again though. It's another case study about an individual who pursues a specific goal and tries to achieve this at any cost. A kind of "3 wishes" principle with the additional nasty boomerang effect. It returns and hits you straight in the face.


Hermann Haig (Sean McGrath) is an artist who attempts to create modern and contemporary art. However, this doesn't work very well and people aren't that enthusiastic about his creations (mobiles with all sorts of recycled waste hanging on it). Nevertheless, he believes he has the talent and thinks there's something subtle missing to make real crowd pullers of his artwork. In desperation he asks his uncle for advice. Promptly this fellow rents out an apartment to Hermann. In that way he can find inspiration while being isolated from the outside world. A kind of a retreat so he'd be able to bring out that deep-rooted talent. Unfortunately, that deeply rooted talent remains right there where it was all along. And this to the dismay and despair of Hermann. When he's about to call it quits, Hermann discovers a hole in the wall. And to his surprise, something starts to communicate with him. First by means of a wire with a note attached to it. Afterwards the hole in the wall starts to speak to Hermann with a sensual female voice. And gradually this phenomenon helps him with his art.


It's rather difficult to link this film to a particular genre. You can't call it horror. But the opening scene might be shocking or disturbing to some. And the denouement has a surprise or two in store. But it really isn't scary or frightening at all. It seemed to have a direct line to my funny bone. Although it's certainly not comedy. Or you think that malicious pleasure is something humorous. It's also not fantasy. Just like in "Her" there's an invisible entity that talks to the protagonist with a sensual voice, only it's no software. And this time there's something physical to discern. That mysterious hole. A hole that hides a personality that yearns for attention and intimacy. And yes, you can expect the unexpected. Can you say there's some perverse humor in it? Yep indeed. I could label it as real estate porn.


You'll definitely have many unanswered questions afterwards. Where does the phenomenon come from? Was Hermann his uncle successful because of this? And what the hell are those slimy objects Hermann uses in his art? To be honest, the mobiles he creates afterwards, still look like garbage and worthless. However, the effect it has on spectators is pretty drastic. The only downside is the rather slow buildup. But otherwise this is a bizarre and strange film that I watched in amazement. Do you love something so macabre and crazy, with someone slowly sliding into something completely insane, than this is the perfect movie for you. However, I'm sure I'll be looking at a hole in the wall in a complete different way. I never thought a stupid hole in the wall could turn me on.


My rating 6/10

Links : IMDB

Deep Dark (2015) on IMDb

donderdag 17 december 2015

Ant-Man (2015)

 Nederlands Hier
Summary
Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
Genre : Adventure/SF
Country : USA

Cast
:

Paul Rudd : Scott Lang
Michael Douglas : Dr. Hank Pym
Evangeline Lilly : Hope van Dyne

Director : Peyton Reed

My opinion   

“My days of breaking into places and stealing shit are done.
What do you want me to do?
I want you to break into a place and steal some shit.”


Is it a plane? Is it a bird? Is it Superman? No, it's just an ordinary guy named Scott Lang (Rudd Paul) who stole from some millionaires in a digital, Robin Hood-like way in the past and who can transform into a superhero the size of an ant by using a high-tech suit. This suit was designed by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and reduces the distance between atoms. Thus, it's not a spider bite or the exposure to certain radiations that created Ant-man. Is it so super hero-like, say, like Spiderman? Yes and no. I don't think there's need for a sequel. The overall content is a bit too ... euh ... I could say a bit to "little" for that. But the tongue in cheek humor then again was enjoyable. Pretty much a sort of "Guardians of the Galaxy" humor. This was already evident from the beginning with this hilarious excerpt: “Hey, how's your girl man?
Oh, she left me.
Oh.
Yeah, my mom died too.
And my dad got deported.
But I got the van! “


Marvel keeps coming up with new action heroes. That's no surprise since they have quite a collection after all these years. Besides the well-known superheroes like "Spiderman", "X-Men", "Hulk", "Daredevil", "Blade", "The Avengers" and "Iron Man", they recently introduced several new ones such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "The Fantastic Four". And next year, they'll add some more : "Deadpool"(I'm waiting impatiently for this one), "Gambit" and "Black Panther". And now they introduce Ant-Man at the last moment. Although I'm about to succumb to a Marvel-saturation, I'm always keen to see a new super hero at work. The advantage of Ant-Man is that you don't need to be a real Marvel freak to follow the story. And despite being one of the least-known Marvel characters (plus the critics were quite harsh), the film itself managed to be successful. 


Ant-Man's objective isn't as grandiose as in most Marvel films. In other words there's no need to protect earth against total annihilation or subjugation. Hank Pym uses a devious way to put Scott Lang in a dilemma so that Scott is forced to help him with the recovery of his invention. And this because of the fact that it could be used for less peaceful purposes. Not very original as you might think at first sight and yet they knew how to make it an entertaining and action-packed adaptation of a action hero comic book. Especially with the emphasis on the comical aspect. A Marvel movie you shouldn't take too seriously. Actually, it's a kind of "Honey, I shrunk the kids", the adult version.


Unfortunately, the storyline is pretty clichéd. Another poor devil who gets no chance in society due to a mistake and is destined to return to his criminal activities. There's also a rising employee who filches the life's work of his employer. And then of course there's the inevitable confrontation between the end products of the two rivals. But "Ant-Man" is still an excellent film. Especially by the use of the interwoven humor (Michael Pena ensures some hilarious moments) and the superb special effects. The learning process Scott goes through to familiarize himself with the designed suit, is hilarious and splendidly visualized. The acting of Paul Rudd (who'll always stick in my memory as Mike of the brilliant sitcom "Friends") was acceptable. Although he doesn't look like real superhero material with his puppy appearance, he succeeded in showing an ideal mix of amazement and determination. Even Michael Douglas' performance was plausible.


"Ant-Man" is an action-packed, light-hearted superhero movie. Especially the end is breathtaking and filled with scenes that'll last a lifetime. Also the various references to other Marvel heroes was original, culminating in a confrontation between Ant-Man and one of the Avengers. Who thinks the hilarious talking tree from "Guardians of the Galaxy" would be unbeatable, will have to revise his opinion after witnessing this tiny little figure that travels on the back of an ant.  


My rating 7/10

Links : IMDB


Ant-Man (2015) on IMDb

zaterdag 5 december 2015

Extinction (2015)
 Nederlands Hier
Summary :
Nine years after an infection turns most of the humanity into rabid creatures, Patrick, Jack and Lu, a nine-year-old girl, survive in seeming peace and calm in the forgotten snow-covered town of Harmony. We nonetheless sense that something terrible happened between Patrick and Jack because a deep hate keeps them apart. When the infected appear again, Patrick and Jack will have to leave behind all rancor to protect the one being who means more to them than anything else.

Genre
: Horror/Drama
Country : Spain/USA/Hungary/France

Cast
:

Matthew Fox : Patrick
Jeffrey Donovan : Jack
Quinn McColgan : Lu

Director : Miguel Angel Vivas

My opinion    

“Now that I'm grown up, you can tell me the truth.
Do the monsters really exist?
They did.”


Choose a horror these days and chances are that it's once again a zombie movie. This isn't exactly a sub-genre that I'm excited about, but it's certainly better than the found footage genre. Personally I think this genre is a little ... uh ... dead. We have seen it all before and most movies are a variant of a variant of the Romero concept. Occasionally there's an attempt to try something new or interpret the theme differently. For example "World War Z". Ok I admit. That one was also about a fast spreading mysterious disease that transformed most civilians in bloodthirsty zombies. But the physical characteristics of the undead was a bit different. "Dead within" concentrated on the psyche of the survivors. And in "Maggie" the element of drama was a bit more intensified. Similarly in "Extinction". Only the bloodthirsty undead are portrayed more explicitly than in "Maggie" and also we get to see the pimped version.

 
Mixing two genres, horror and drama in this case, could have an adverse effect. Namely that most of the movie fans will be disappointed. The zombie lovers will hate the drama part and complain that it's not gory enough. And the fans of drama have to tolerate these disgusting, carnivorous monsters. But for me as a die-hard filmfreak it's just double enjoyment. I appreciate both genres and it's even more fun when both are mixed together. First there is a complicated relationship between the two men Patrick (Matthew Fox) and Jack (Jeffrey Donovan), who have survived the chaos. Initially, the circumstances how it came to this situation is unclear. However, this will be explained more in detail with the help of some flashbacks. Eventually, they ended up in a village called Harmony where they live next to eachother as two estranged neighbours. They both lead a separate life with their own habits.


And then there's the lovely teenager Lu (Quinn McColgan) who was rescued as a baby by the two rivals. 9 Years later she's a rebellious teen girl who would like to explore the world around her. Something that's painstakingly prohibited by Jack. Although they are convinced that the mutated citizens are long extinct by the cold (because of the Siberian climate) or famine. What they don't know is that these creatures evolved into cold-resistant, blind, bald heads and still looking for fresh meat. 


It all sounds familiar and it feels like a "where-have-we-seen-that-before" film. The zombies look a lot like those in "I am Legend" and are quite frightening. There are a few face to face confrontation (as in "World War Z") and you can be sure that they will give you chills. On the other hand there's the tragic tale regarding the three main characters. The entire film is a melting pot of themes. A devastating epidemic which leads to a family drama. After that a post-apocalyptic era dawns with the obvious siege and battle against the otherworldly creatures. Perhaps the theme of self-sacrifice was a bit exaggerated. But besides that, this was still an enjoyable movie. Hopefully, the zombies are now stored away for some time.
 

My rating 6/10
Links : IMDB


 

Extinction (2015) on IMDb

vrijdag 4 december 2015

Wild (2014)
 Nederlands Hier
Summary :
With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behavior, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddens, strengthen, and ultimately heals her.

Genre
: Biography/Drama
Country : USA

Cast
:

Reese Witherspoon : Cheryl
Laura Dern : Bobbi
Thomas Sadoski : Paul

Director : Jean-Marc Vallée

My opinion    

“God is a ruthless bitch.”

A film about someone who decides to go down the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) just to come to terms with herself after living a turbulent life. At first sight it seemed to me that this subject was a bit too feeble for creating an entertaining movie. To some extent that's true, but at the same time, this was nonetheless a touching and sometimes quite moving film. This notorious 4286 kilometer long footpath, situated in the West of the USA and running along the highest parts of the Sierra Nevada, definitely isn't for beginners. And yet Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) packed her backpack and  without any preparation she started this eerie trip.

Firstly you can foresee that this could be a fairly monotonous film. One individual all alone in the wild nature. Only occasionally she has brief encounters with people who cross her path. Each with their own backstory and motivation. Actually it's a bit like "All is lost" with Robert Redford drifting on the wide ocean in his sailboat. He was also completely alone and abandoned. Or recently you could see the expedition members in "Everest" who experienced a worst case scenario. They were (although it was a larger group) totally isolated on this mountaintop. You already know in advance that you'll witness how this person laboriously drags herself through a desert landscape and other wastelands, meanwhile holding monologues due to the lack of other interlocutors. And the shown images of nature are extraordinarily beautiful.


What impressed me the most in "Wild" was Reese's acting. For me, Reese's alter ego Elle Woods still haunts her. I'll always associate her with that dumb-looking blonde who started to study law in "Legally Blonde" and afterwards created a stir in court. What I still can remember, are the decisive arguments she came up with and where the evidence was related to make-up and hairstyle related techniques. These trivialities made sure she won the case. And lets not forget her pink outfit for God's sake and her yapping puppy in matching clothes. And then there were these sorority girlfriends who, when counted together, wouldn't add up to a decent IQ. I always get the chronic diarrhea when watching such movies. But this stands in sharp contrast to how she performs here. A scarred woman who travels with an overloaded backpack, but also drags along a heavy burden on her shoulders. And she wants to get rid of that once and for all.


Jean-Marc Vallée, who also directed the brilliant film "Dallas Buyers Club", managed to create a fascinating mixture of drama and humor. "Wild" is constantly interrupted by flashbacks in which we get to know Cheryl's mother. A pugnacious person who ,despite setbacks in her life, remains a paragon of positivism. A brilliant interpretation by Laura Dern (better known as the female archaeologist who was being chased by dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park"). She clearly passed that attitude to Cheryl. After a self-destructive life of drugs and uncontrolled sex, Cheryl tries to put her life back on track figuratively, by literally walking the PCT path. It's kind of her personal calvary in this "road movie on foot". A beautiful film that is alternately touching, painful and funny. A demonstration of endurance, perseverance and willpower. A film in which Reese Witherspoon knows how to keep herself perfectly upright, despite the monstrous-looking backpack that brings her off balance every time. Respect!


My rating 7/10
Links : IMDB

Wild (2014) on IMDb