'127 Hours' — 4 out of 5 stars
Combine the vibrant cinematography of Danny Boyle, an Oscar-worthy performance from James Franco and a touch of humanity, and you’ve got the intense fight for survival that is “127 Hours.”
The movie follows the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston (Franco) and his journey into a lonely Utah canyon. After slipping while navigating the rocks, Ralston’s arm is trapped under a massive boulder, and so begins a tantalizing struggle to endure. He is isolated in the canyon for more than five days, and in that time comes to a realization about his life as he fights to continue it.
Boyle brings the same frenetic energy, bright colors and epic soundtrack to “127 Hours” that fans of his work (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Trainspotting,” “28 Days Later…”) have come to expect. This movie would not have been as effective in the hands of a different director. Boyle’s unique cinematography and use of flashbacks allow him to constantly keep the audience interested and on edge.
Franco shines in “127 Hours,” carrying the movie on his back for much of the film. He uses his time in the canyon to add fascinating depth to a character that is irresistibly likable, but also tragically flawed. The audience roots for Ralston to survive, but also understands that through this experience he is leaving the canyon as a different person. Franco is passionate and charming, and he is able to cast his spell on the audience all with one arm trapped underneath a gigantic rock.
This is not to say that the movie is totally without flaws. It tends to drag at certain points, a difficult thing to avoid given the lone character is trapped in one position for much of the duration. It is also not for the faint hearted, as the grittiness and desperation of Ralston’s bid to survive is shown in all its gory glory. However, if audience members are willing to endure the blood and see past its slow moments, this story of survival and the power of the human spirit is well worth the cost of admission.