EVEREST (2015)

2015 Movie EVEREST

     About a week ago, a friend and I went to see the movie EVEREST.  I admit-- I'm NOT much for action or adventure films.   I've seen my fill of Action Heroes and high speed car chases.  I'm much more into a deeper script full of characters and dialogue, and a plot with plenty of twists.

      However, EVEREST wasn't your run-of-the-mill "Climb-Any-Mountain" kind of an adventure film.  It did have plenty of characters and dialogue, and a plot whose true-to-life story was stranger than fiction.

     The main characters include the proprietors of a business called Adventure Consultants, which planned and guided expeditions to such places as Mount Everest.  While mountain climbing always includes the risk of imminent danger, nothing like what happened in the spring of 1996 was anticipated, as an unforeseen storm caught the expedition by surprise and trapped several of them high on the peaks of Everest.

     The film is loosely inspired by the book "Into Thin Air" written by Jon Krakauer, one of the survivors of this natural disaster.  Eight others were not so fortunate, as they perished in the storm, even though rescue attempts were attempted.  A combination of blizzards, severe cold, and lack of oxygen combined to spell their dismal fates.

     Like many other movie goers, I always love a happy ending.  Unfortunately, this one mirrors the not-so-happy ending to this catastrophic event.  This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, and bring you to the point of tears, as it allows the viewers to relive this real-life story.

RATING : 4 {out of 5} Melons

McFARLAND USA (2015)

   I went to see the movie "McFarland USA" this past weekend.  It is an inspiring film, based on the story of a down-on-his-luck coach who sees a bad situation and finds a way to make it better.

   Kevin Costner portrays the coach who inspired a group of unmotivated but talented high schoolers into competing for a state title in cross country.  It has its share of moments, but one of the best ones is when the most talented runner in the group overcomes his selfish pity and gives his all for the team.  This also happens in the last scene, when the low achiever on the squad summons up his own talent to help the team win.

   I highly recommend this film to anyone, especially someone who's needing an emotional lift or who is doubting their own sense of achievement and purpose.  "McFarland USA" conjures up memories of other motivational classics like Rocky, Chariots of Fire, and Remember the Titans.  And like those others, it wins my vote as a memorable sports film.

RATING : 3 {out of 5} Melons