100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 83: Everest

Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ Thriller
Runtime: 121 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Martin Henderson, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Robin Wright, Emily Watson, John Hawkes

Description: A climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm.

Review: When it comes to disaster movie, we can divide them in two categories. One is the impressive spectacle piece where nature is overpowering mankind. Think of movies like “The Day After Tomorrow” or “2012”. The other one is the more character driven disaster film, that focusses more on the people that are facing the critical disaster. “Everest” fits that last category.
“Everest” is based on the real story of a 1996 expedition. The New Zealander Rob Hall leads a group to the top of the Mount Everest, right before a severe snow storm hits them. He leads a group of men and one woman, that all have their own motivation for reaching the top. Like Doug, who wants to proof to school children that even an everyday man can do something so extraordinary. And the Texan Beck, who chooses adventure to flee his marital problems.
The movie is filled with great actors, but most of them have to do it with a minor supporting role. Keira Knightley and Robin Wright are both wives waiting at home for their husbands. Both pretty unthankful roles. Jake Gyllenhaal, although a very strong role as the eccentric expedition leader Scott Fischer, only has a few scenes. I wanted more of him. Josh Brolin does a solid job as well. Jason Clarke is the main man. He does this well, so the overall acting is great. But because there are so many characters, it’s hard to really relate to them. The emotional moments don’t grab you as much.
But it’s not only the acting that is good. The images are beautiful. Gorgeous mountain views, all very realistic.
“Everest” is a stunning looking movie with good acting. But it could have been even better if some interesting characters got more screen time and we got to know them more.

Rating: 3,5/ 5