Hi everyone!
That’s right! One Movie Spouse returns with a review for a nail-biting documentary that is a literal cliffhanger. It’s been great to have Amy on board. If you haven’t yet, check out her other reviews for “Mary Poppins Returns” (Episode #380), “On the Basis of Sex” (Episode #396), and last week’s ultra cute “Pick of the Litter” (Episode #410). Now, I’m going to wedge myself into this rock and check out this review.
Take it away, Amy!
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Hi there!
It’s me Amy, aka One Movie Spouse, back for another guest review. Mwwwwaaah! There are so many great films to be seen during this Oscar season, I can’t wait to share my thoughts about today’s breathtaking film. You can find me on Twitter: @BriteWhen and we can chat about films or you can see what else I am up to when I am not busy as a spouse-mother-teacher.
Today’s movie is “Free Solo” (2018), the Oscar-nominated documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Va-sar-he-ly-i, and mountaineer and photographer, Jimmy Chin. This film captures Alex Honnold’s incredible feat of scaling El Capitan in Yosemite National Park *without* ropes or climbing supports. Just as Honnold was living on the edge, viewers are likely to be on the edge of their seats during this 90 minute journey.
There’s nothing to spoil because the internet and every news source has been reporting on this incredible never-been-done-before feat. He’s even featured in February 2019’s issue of National Geographic magazine, who also helped produce the film. Honnold’s determination and tenacity are fierce! While you know the end result, you might not realize just how dangerous and amazing this journey was until you watch it for yourself.
I must admit, I have never been a rock climber, and have difficulty working my way up a climbing wall at the indoor places. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this film. I greatly admire Honnold’s desire to conquer the seemingly impossible. His goal was a wild one and he did everything he could to make it happen! Throughout his years of training and injuries sustained, he never shied away from his ultimate goal, even as others tried to talk him out of it, he persevered! While I don’t share the same desire to scale El Capitan without ropes, I am feeling inspired to try climbing and other new experiences outside of my comfort zone.
Not only was Honnold’s journey to the top of El Capitan thrilling and fascinating, so was the making of this documentary. In order to capture the incredible photos and film, a crew had to accompany him and another crew to document them in the process. This allowed for “bigger picture views” of Yosemite’s splendor and made for a gorgeous backdrop for this film. Both crews documenting it along the way had to be discreet and not distract or interfere with the complex climb. Watching this film pan between “ant size” Honnold on El Capitan and then close up views, can make those without a fear of heights have increased heart rate and sweaty palms. Even if you do have a fear of heights, I think this film is still worth watching. Just watch it through the cracks of your fingers in front of your face. Catch this 2019 Oscar-nominated Best Documentary; it’s nothing short of amazing and the views are dazzling!
This is an excellent film chronicling Alex Honnold’s incredible journey! Fans of extreme sports, nature lovers, and “wild goal setters” are sure to enjoy this film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 83 (MUST SEE)
One Movie Punch: 9.0/10
“Free Solo” (2018) is rated PG-13and is currently available for purchase at major digital outlets.
