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127 Hours



Review by Anthony Morris

As far as plot twists go, 127 Hours is a little light.

While out on a hike down an isolated canyon in the desert in the US south-west, Aron Ralston (James Franco) slips, falls down a narrow ravine and ends up with his right arm trapped under a boulder. 

The rock isn't going anywhere, so if he wants to leave, he's got a very tough choice ahead of him. 

Based on a true story - a true story that ends with Aron chopping his own arm off - this clearly isn't a film relying on narrative tension to keep you in your seat. 

Instead, director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire) pulls out all the tricks to make what is, after the first 20-odd minutes, nothing but the story of a man standing very, very still into a rapid-fire thrill-ride. 

We get flashbacks, alternate realities, comedy news commentaries, "what-if" wish-fulfilment, and plenty of moments of bare-bones survival as he edges ever closer to death or its awful alternative.


Having James Franco as the lead is a massive plus here too. 

Aron seems like both a bit of a wacko (his high-energy enthusiasm at first puts off then wins over a pair of fellow hikers he meets early on) and maybe a bit of a dick (he didn't tell anyone where he was going; one of his relationships, explored in flashback, doesn't reflect well). 

But Franco radiates such charm and fun that he's more than capable of holding our attention as a one-man show. 

And then there's the arm removal, which isn't overly dwelt on but is exactly as nasty as you think it's going to be. It's a gruelling moment in this memorable film.

If you can't take it, don't. Simply watch the audience instead; the looks of horror on their faces is bound to be even more disturbing.

DVD Special Features

Your enjoyment of the Special Features of 127 Hours will really depend on whether or not you're over the vast amount of James Franco in the universe. When he isn't singing, dancing, filming or directing - he is attending school. Then he occasionally hosts big events too. Geeeeez, talk about over achiever!

Anyhew - included on the Blu Ray is a Theatrical Feature and a Feature Commentary by Director/Co-Screenwriter Danny Boyle, Producer Christian Colson and Co-Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.

As usual, there are a bunch of Deleted Scenes a great fetureatte called "Search & Rescue" about the actual events that aided the search and rescue of Aron Ralston and the very cool "127 Hours : An Extraordinary View" which gives viewers a unique collaboration between the director and actor.

Conclusion - Movie: 80% Extras: 65%

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