Everest (2015)

"Human beings simply aren't built to function 

at the cruising altitudes of a seven-forty-seven."

Yeah... screw going to Everest.

A climbing expedition to Everest goes horribly wrong after a severe snow storm hits. 

Having not read the original source material or heard of the true story, I was relatively blind going into 'Everest'. All I knew is that if I'm going to see a movie about Mount Everest, I'm going to see it IMAX. This is the type of film that IMAX was made for. Big drama, big views and big films.

On the whole, I'd say 'Everest' delivers on this.

It is definitely the spectacle that you are paying to see in this film. Obviously nothing could ever come close to the real thing but 'Everest' does a good job of introducing you to the mountain and you get a real sense of what Mount Everest looks and feels like, minus the deadly biting cold of course... Definitely a film I would not like to see in 4D. 

You're on this expedition with the team and you're in it for the long haul.

Straight from the get go you are introduced to the danger that lies ahead of the expedition team. Information and exposition is dumped on you from the beginning which should be extremely bland to watch but actually turns out to be surprisingly interesting. What you are learning is really informative and is delivered in a way that you would hear it if you were actually going on an expedition so it makes it so much easier to get involved. It is an immense challenge and it becomes very clear why.

There is a lot of tension in 'Everest'. It builds and builds as the expedition gets closer to the peak of the mountain which is where the drama of it all really lies. These men and women are facing the most dangerous and challenging thing that they'll ever face in their lives which, ultimately, makes for some compelling viewing. You'll be biting your nails on the edge of your seat as the team make their way across the frozen death zone as they climb higher and higher. It is the physical and mental challenge of climbing the mountain paired along side the metaphorical challenge that the team are all facing that makes us invest in the film. They each have something to overcome or deal with which is their own Everest.

The last third of this film breaks away slightly and becomes a little flat compared to the rest of the film but I assume this is because it is based on a true story so certain details have to be in there to meet the original story. The tension that was built up comes to a head but doesn't really peak in the way that I'd have liked to see. It runs the events in order and just sort of ends which was a bit disappointing. This being said, it doesn't put me off the film as the first half was so strong.

On the whole, there is a very respectable cast featured in this film. It's hard to pin down who the main actor is in this film but I'd say Jason Clarke is as close to that as we'll get. Jason Clarke plays the expedition leader and he is responsible for getting everyone up and back down the mountain alive and in one piece, he gives a measured and believable performance as our anchor in the film. 

Jake Gyllenhaal gives a good supporting performance alongside Josh Brolin who is consistently strong anyway. It is an ensemble performance and you get a glimpse into each characters lives and the reasons they are taking part in this extraordinary journey. It makes for an unpredictable plot when all the actors are as high profile as they are so you don't know who is safe. It is a toss up for who is going to make it up and back down in one piece and that just adds to the drama of it all.

Keira Knightley is definitely the weakest link in this acting chain as she delivers a pretty monotone performance as Jason Clarke's pregnant wife. Pluck her out of this film and it could have been a home run in terms of the performances in 'Everest'.

Mount Everest is a character in its own right in this film. It is personified, feared and respected by the team that are scaling it and it is hard not to be in awe at the sheer size and power of this unforgiving wonder. It is the highest peak on earth and you understand why so many want to get to the top. Each character has their own reasons for doing it and you can relate to every one of them. It brings life to the mountain and raises the stakes for all involved.

Overall, 'Everest' is a film that is fantastic to see in IMAX with some dramatic moments and a lot of spectacle. It drags you up on to the peak of mount Everest, terrifying you along the way and, if you see it in IMAX, will make your stomach turn like you were on a rollercoaster. 

It is interesting and dramatic and won't disappoint.

But yeah... Screw going to Everest.