As I'm sure you've heard, 127 Hours has been surrounded by hype for awhile now. I just came back from the movie and while it is a good movie, no doubt about it and it's stands well above most of the films that have come out recently, it just never achieved great to me. The story itself is amazing and it really is an inspirational movie but for some reason I can't put my finger on it didn't meet my expectations. It might be because I felt I would have done some things differently and the trailer gave me the impression it would take a different direction with the flashbacks, but I'm sure most critics will probably praise the fact that it used so little. I like Danny Boyle's music video style he has in a lot of the movie and I thought the beginning and end were very well done, just the in between is where I thought it never really met it's full potential. It's a movie I'd definitely suggest to anyone, but avoid getting yourself caught up in all the hype that's building this movie up. If you're queasy (SPOILER... if you aren't aware of the true story) make sure to look away when he's cutting off his arm, I'm not usually one too look away but in that scene I think I migrated seat from seat, clenching. James Franco, however, gives an amazing performance, I really hope that he's recognized at the Oscars because he really gives it his all and the film would not have worked to the effect that it did without him. It's a good movie though and I suggest everyone goes and sees it, I always respect movies like this that use such limited space and tell such an intriguing story. I may have got lost in the praise and been a little disappointed myself in the execution but the film is still really good and far superior to most films in the same vein.

I can't say this was a disappointment. It definitely delivered in a sufficient number of respects. But it still had problems and was a big step down from Slumdog. I think the biggest problem had to do with the story itself. The true story, that is. While it lends itself to cinema dramatically, I don't think it does logistically. The flashbacks and fantasies kept the story interesting and Boyle's direction is superb. But it was a copout. In the end, I really didn't feel like I'd been in a hole with this guy for 127 hours. It felt more like a series of vignettes with a central theme intended to showcase Boyle's filmmaking prowess. Not necessarily a bad thing but it diminished the real story, that's for sure.

A lot of people have argued that flashbacks are the only way one could've made the story cinematic. I'm not sure I agree but it would've been very, very hard to tell the story straight. I think they might've had a shot if they showcased the video camera throughout like they did in the "talk show" sequence. But it still would've been a monumental challenge. Taking that into account, I still don't think it's satisfactory. Am I expecting too much? Maybe. But a copout's a copout. While among the best films of 2010, I think the true story just couldn't be made into a movie without "cheating" and should probably have been left alone, even by someone as virtuosic as Boyle.

I watched this film yesterday, weeks after the fainting hype has died down.
First off, I'm not a Danny Boyle fan. Slumdog was a manipulative turd of a film for me.
Even while I say that, I still found myself enjoying it in the end, damn turd movie.
Typically, my big problem with Boyle is the third act of his films.
Perhaps its only when he works with screenwriter, Alex Garland.
28 Days Later nose dived once they reached the military barracks.
And he destroyed potentially one of the best modern sci-fi films in Sunshine.
By tacking on the Captain Sunburn Friday the 13th style third act.
I *STILL* get angry over that film when someone brings it up.
However, here, I found myself very engaged in what Boyle was doing.
I appreciated the spirited opening, but not forcing an overly likable character on us.
Aron Ralston is congenial but a bit of a show off and certainly insular.
I know sports extremists like that, Franco's portrayal felt authentic to me.
I wasn't put off the the flashbacks and hallucinations here, they felt appropriate.
I can't put my finger on why this film isn't great, still, it's very good cinema.
James Franco anchors the film with a solid performance that doesn't showboat.
Maybe I wanted more resolution? I wanted to see the changes put into effect?
I'm unsure. I suppose I should address the gruesome scene most discuss.
It's effective but not over the top. I wouldn't look away, despite the intensity.
As if somehow, my hanging in there helped Ralston get through it.
And if you feel like that while watching a movie, then it worked its magic on you.

E.D.

Meh.

It's one of those "after you watch it"s that you say "Been there and done that".

Miss it and you ain't missing nothing.

An hour and a half lesson of "Don't go running around in nowhere by yourself".

My wife got the book from the library but didn't end up reading it.

I found the bit where he cuts his arm off...finished.

Nope this did not work for me.  It was actually difficult to get through.

Right from the start, I found myself not liking what I was seeing.  The intro with the split screen stuff looked cheap...odd, even.

I did appreciate the water jumping stuff with the girls, but it ended too quickly.

And then, at about the 15 minute mark, Aron's trapped...for another hour and 15 minutes!  Argh.  I did not like the Flashbacks.  I did not like the "radio show" skit he did.  It was dull, hard to watch.  I did like the rain dream, but I knew almost immediately that it was a dream, so in reality, it kinda pissed me off.

But, I will say this, when he finally did free himself, I was invested, rooting for his survival, and actually a bit emotional...especially when he saw the 3 hikers and finally understood that he can't do everything alone, and that he needs help.  Also, nice to see the actual Aron at the end.  That was well done.

All in all, not a pleasant or enjoyable ride and something I will definitely never want to sit through again.

despite the fact that i found this film to be mediocre and a tad bit annoying (in the way it was filmed), this movie had one of the best cold openings i've ever seen. the title sequence was placed perfectly and was quite profound IMO.