The Walk

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. (2015-10-10)

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. (2015-10-08)

Zemeckis is a master of extraordinary human stories like this, because it takes a lot of skill and dexterity to cut out such an entertaining, well-thought-out and life-beating story puzzle from a colourless sketch with a single dramatic arc. Thanks to the humorous journey with many imaginative interludes, we fully connect with Levitt and his hero, accept his life values and root for his bringing his crazy plan to a successful end, even though such a happy ending cannot be doubted for a moment. And when the camera slides gracefully from the top of the World Trade Center into the silent depths of acrophobia, we almost feel the enormous power of the moment with the hero. There are flaws, and I personally regret that we don't actually get a chance to genuinely worry about Petit's life, but that doesn't change the fact that as an unorthodox celebration of human will and courage, the film works perhaps as well as it ever could... 85% (2015-12-17)

The scenes on the wire are incredible, and the highlight of the movie is truly the transition between the towers of the World Trade Center. I felt dizzy in places, and I didn't even see the film in IMAX. However, as there are great moments in terms of visual effects, there are also flaws, such as the terrible American accents of the actors, the predictability of the story, which is essentially a boring plotline that only wins through the sheer determination of the human will and what it can achieve. (2015-12-21)

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. (2015-10-07)