wsawyer2

I went into this screening with low expectations, because I had been told it was not a particularly good film. And, yes, some parts are just a bit hoaky, some characters are stereotypes, and there are some inconsequential goofs (dry clothing in the truck cab, after full immersion in the lake).

BUT, all that aside, the movie kept us on the edge of our seats for much of the time. It was an enjoyable evening / after-dinner movie! And, it is frankly much better than quite a few rather lame films that have come out, with thunderous publicity, in the last 18 months.

The plot involves a rescue mission, directed at saving workers in a collaposed mine. There are quite a few surprises (not outlined here, lest the comments become spoilers), so the plot is not particularly predictable. The all-too-common 'hyper-angst' that is frquently used in such movies is kept reasonably in check, so the action, and plot twists are at the forefront. Yes, there are several 'personal' storylines going on that form a backbone of the plot. But, they actually contribute to the suspense, rather than detract from it.

I was completely unaware of this film until recently. I don' know why - I am a fan of Tom Hanks' films. I own a DVD of the 1955 Ladykillers film. But, I had never heard mof it before last month.

This movie is simply outstanding. It is NOT merely a remake, and should not be considered as such. If someone comes to this film with a fixed idea of what it 'should be' based on the 1955 film (as some reviewers apparently have done), they will inevitably miss out on an opportunity to enjoy great cinema. It is truly a Coen brother's 'reinterpretation' and I think in that regard it is actually better than the 1955 original. Irma Hall should have won an Oscar for her portrayal of Marva Munson.

The musical score is wonderful, Tom Hanks was outstanding as GH Dorr., and the cast was enjoyably engaging. The description of this film, in another review, as a 'Coen brothers gem' was very appropriate.

The movie is simply 'delicious'!

This is a movie that engages you from the start, and holds your interest until the end. From a business management perspective, it is worthy of being a required training film. From an accident investigation / analysis perspective, it emphatically outlines the 'accident chain'.

Now, it is helpful to have Denzel Washington in the lead role. :) But, that merely enhan ces the movie, it doesn't 'make' it.

There is NO gunplay, there is minimal offensive language, there are no sensual sex scenes - which too many movies seem to rely on to be relevant, and appealing. OK, there are actually severaL car chases - but ones that pull you into the film, not just make noise in a nonsensical and completely irrelevant manner, like too many so-called 'action' movies. This is simply a good story, a believeable story, and one which holds your attentiion from start to finish.

Watch this film with an open mind - don't get drawn in, or put off by, some of the ancillary nonsense - the police cars, the sirens, etc. Watch it and ask yourself - 'What would I have done?'