Is a mission success. There’s no spoilers only praise for a film that completely blew my expectations. As I said in my preview earlier last week when I had the opportunity to see it: ROCKY. IS. EVERYTHING.
Now, normally we would highlight the strengths and bravery of Ryan Gosling, who we’ll get to briefly. However, it’s the direction of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller that is spectacular. It’s a beautifully appetising film that is feasted upon on the visuals alone. If you have the opportunity to see it on an IMAX screen please do so. If not at least take the opportunity to see it.
Based on the book of the same title by Andy Weir it’s a faithful adaption that will surprise you throughout. It doesn’t give you the spark notes version of the book, but you’re diving into material that is sharply portrayed on the screen without missing an emotional heartbeat.
As I mentioned earlier about Ryan Gosling, he continues his streak of charismatic roles, but this delivers a nexus performance for him. His emotional threshold and maturity in this film balanced out with his dry humour and adaptability as Ryland Grace. He’s the centre of our film, but has an arc that transcends on the heels of work across his scene partner James Ortiz who puppeteers Rocky and captures your heart and attention entirely.
Additionally, Greig Fraser, ASC, ACS who serves as the cinematographer of this film will no doubt be in the awards conversation next season. If that name sounds familiar you’re looking at the same cinematographer who did both “Dune” films and “The Batman” and continues his streak of translating fantasy into touchable reality.
Then you have Daniel Pemberton who strikes with a vengeance in this film. He delicately conveys such strengths in the quieter of moments, but has you on the edge of your pulse rate during the most exhilarating moments. My hunch is that we’ll be Pemberton’s name pop up during next awards season too.
Anyhow, we’re avoiding spoilers but I will say keep an eye on Sandra Hüller who serves an excellent supporting during the film. Hüller continues to show that her presence on the big screen should be more frequent in the upcoming years.
Stay tune for my spoiler discussion next week! Comes out in theatres on March 20th! Early screenings are occurring this upcoming March 13-16th!
Nicole's Film Perspectives 
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