The Finest Hours (2016)

Genre

Drama | History

Director

Craig Gillespie

Country

USA

Cast

Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Holliday Grainger, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, Graham McTavish, Kyle Gallner, Michael Raymond-James, John Magaro, Abraham Benrubi, Keiynan Lonsdale, John Ortiz, Beau Knapp, Josh Stewart, Rachel Brosnahan, Matthew Maher, Benjamin Koldyke

Storyline

On a small lifeboat faced with frigid temperatures and 70-foot high waves, four members of the Coast Guard set out to rescue more than 30 stranded sailors trapped aboard a rapidly-sinking vessel.

Opinion

Honestly, until 5 minutes ago I didn't know this was a Disney film, but while watching it I could sense there was something wrong with it because Craig Gillespie, the director of the beautiful "Lars and the Real Girl", doing something like this, just didn't seem right. That being said, I didn't even have any kind of expectation for the film - I'm not gonna lie to you, I watched it for Chris Pine only and that's probably the reason it managed to disappoint me.

"The Finest Hours" is a mostly tedious drama that occasionally manages to be a little engaging and tense.

I couldn't care less if the film is based on a true story, whatever the film is trying to tell, it doesn't do it properly. Instead of presenting one story, the film presents three intersecting stories, two of which are completely unappealing.

The good one revolves around Casey Affleck's character, and it's set aboard the doomed ship in the storm. This story is engaging, and will have you on the edge of your seat with its action and tension. Also it gives Affleck the chance to shine, and boy he does. He delivers one of the best, if not the best, performances of his career as the engineer who is trying to save the crew's lives.

The two bad stories revolve around Chris Pine's character, that's why I was disappointed. One is a pointless, and utterly uninteresting romance between Pine's character and a local girl who seems to be the one wearing pants in the couple. The other one is about Pine's character, the hero of the story, set out on a mission to rescue the sailors trapped on the ship. The latter could have been the most suspenseful and gripping story if only it was told properly. Also Pine gives a mediocre performances - Captain Kirk is probably the only captain he should play.

All Is Lost (2013)

Genre

Adventure | Drama

Director

J.C. Chandor

Country

Canada | United States

Cast
Robert Redford

Plot
Somewhere in the Indian Ocean (1700 nautical miles from the Sumatra Straits), a man (Robert Redford) says, "I'm sorry. I know that means little at this point, but I am. I tried. I think you would all agree that I tried. To be true, to be strong, to be kind, to love, to be right, but I wasn't." He declares, "All is lost".

Eight days earlier, as he wakes up, he sees that water has started to flood his boat.

Opinion
Kudos to the director, which has been able to make a film against the interest of the average viewer. 

The sound editing is spectacular; the cinematography outstanding. The scenes shot underwater are amazing. 

All Is Lost gives Redford the opportunity to show off his acting skills; basically without any lines, he's able to communicate properly with his facial expressions and his hands. If you don't like Robert Redford - do people like that really exist? - I highly recommend you to not watch this film.

Quotes
13th of July, 4:50 pm. I'm sorry. I know that means little at this point, but I am. I tried, I think you would all agree that I tried. To be true, to be strong, to be kind, to love, to be right. But I wasn't. And I know you knew this. In each of your ways. And I am sorry. all is lost here, except for soul and body, that is, what's left of them, and a half day's ration. It's inexcusable really, I know that now. How it could have taken this long to admit that I'm not sure, but it did. I fought till the end. I'm not sure what that is worth, but know that I did. I have always hoped for more for you all. I will miss you. I'm sorry.

Rating
7.5/10