First Take: Everest: about 2 years later than scheduled

SYNOPSIS:

The story of New Zealand’s Robert “Rob” Edwin Hall, who on May 10, 1996, together with Scott Fischer, teamed up on a joint expedition to ascend Mount Everest.

If anything, the last 12 months at the local cinema have prompted some unique discussions about the films they’ve shown over the last few years- and on the recommendation of a very wise friend of mine, I had to give this one a look. And I am glad to report that Mr Mitchell, you were bang on the money with this one. Everest really surprised me.

Baltasar Kormakur made a film that really built the emotion and tension up in equal measure, and while the pacing may not be to my sort of liking, it’s done in such a way that the events on the mountain feel shocking regardless of the fact that it’s all based on a true story, and with William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy on script duties, the dialogue was rather good for a film I didn’t get round to reviewing on its initial 2015 cinema run (there was a LOT to review back then). It’s scored brilliantly by Dario Marianelli, and with Salvatore Totino creating magic behind the camera, this is a true ‘made for the big screen’ film.

Performance wise, the cast is good. Jason Clarke is a very likable lead, and with the mighty Jake Gyllenhaal alongside him and a supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, Robin Wright, Sam Worthington and others, they make the story of the fateful day in May 1996 feel fleshed out and believable- how realistic the film is in this regard is disputed, but it does the job of providing cinema’s unique charm of escapism really damn well.

THE VERDICT

Tackling a film like this in the right way is tough, but this was a rare surprise. With great performances, a cracking script, and some decent direction, I can understand why I’ve been asked to review this for a very long time.

RATING: 4.5/5