Movie #1139 "The Walk" is another entertaining film from Zamekis (back to the future, etc.). From the opening minutes, you can tell the film is in the hands of a very stylish, creative thinking director (it is filmed in black and white, with only the props he juggles (the strawberries, etc.) in color) Joseph Gordon Levitt is more than capable, donning a very particular accent to play Phillip Petit (true story of the guy who walked a line between the twin towers before it was ever finished being built). I saw the documentary a few years ago when it was nominated for an academy award, but I found that tedious and long ---- slow going prep and the actual walk took long. And in this film, a big portion of it is prep work, but the director gets that across in an entertaining way -- the people he gets help from are all characters (including Ben Kingsley, and Charlotte LeBon (from "Hundred Foot Journey") who are standouts and most memorable!) The actual walk is even done creatively --- i.e. as the cops try to get him down because he is breaking the law, he keeps turning away from them and going back to the other side ON the line. What I liked most about the film is the homage it plays to the twin towers --- as Phillip looks at what he has just accomplished, he tells us he got a pass for the twin towers that said "forever" --- I got a lump in my throat when I think that no one would have guessed what would actually happen to the buildings, and it is very sad, but the spirit of the building stays on, and it elevates activities like what Phillip does here to the building! Another thing I liked is that it concerns someone living out his childhood dreams! And it shows how focussed, how talented, how smart this guys is! I recommend this, esp. if the subject seems at all intriguing to you. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.
The Walk
2015 PG Rated PG123 mins I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars
In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit made headlines worldwide with his daring high-wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This elevating drama recalls the unauthorized and unforgettable feat pulled off by Petit and his team.
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