Before I begin, I’d like to apologize for not blogging like normal this week as well as for the not-so-grand design and layout. Reflections is going through some changes (which you can read more about here).

Okay, now onto the fun stuff. My latest review is all about the Robert Zemeckis film The Walk starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film chronicles the amazingly true story of Philippe Petit (Gordon-Levitt), a street performer with big dreams of installing a tightrope and walking across the void between the World Trade Center towers in 1974. To realize his dream, Petit must work hard to perfect the art, enlist a team of people to help – which he referred to as “accomplices” – and go through numerous struggles, set backs and close calls while carrying out his wild plan.


The Walk is truly like no other film I’ve seen before. The film took me in its grasp right away with Petit’s witty dialogue – acting brilliance on Gordon-Levitt’s part – and did not let go. The film immersed me not only in Petit’s plan to walk the wire but the more personal side of this street performer-turned-news-maker. That included glimpses of Petit realizing his artistic calling, being kicked out after his father disapproved of him, mentoring sessions with Papa Rudy (Ben Kingsley) and even his first public performance on the wire – which was a major fail, I might add.

On the technical side, The Walk was tailor-made for IMAX 3D and I highly recommend viewing it in that format if you can. Zemeckis and crew nailed every technical detail and gave the audience some breathtaking views during the film’s 17-minute long wire-walking sequence. Joe McGovern of Entertainment Weekly called the sequence “the most majestic simulation of a real event since the ship sinking in Titanic.” Titanic was 18 years ago for those of you keeping count. Another point of brilliance on the technical side came near the beginning of the film when we’re guided through Petit’s young street performing days. The sequence is filmed in black and white with splashes of color – such as Petit’s miniature version of his wire. I believe that Zemeckis was going for a, perhaps, whimsy, feel with that sequence and he achieved it. Plus, I love the color splash technique anyway, so that sequence gets extra points.

Speaking of achieving, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing cast, especially Gordon-Levitt. I’ve been a fan of his work for quite some time – and a proud member of his hitRECord community – so I know how ridiculously talented he is. The Walk was no different. As if learning his lines weren’t enough, Gordon-Levitt had to also learn the art of wire-walking, French and speaking English with a heavy French accent. Gordon-Levitt never ceased to amaze me in this film nor any film he’s done in the past.

From the story itself, to the technical aspects, to the acting, The Walk is a masterpiece. A must-see. The best film of 2015 by far, in my opinion. Please go see it – and make sure to do so in IMAX 3D because it will not disappoint.

I Give It An: A+

See The Trailer Here