Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy,
Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter
Rating: 8 out of 10, An updated
version of the old Richard Harris movie Man in the Wilderness. It recounts the
incredible survival story of Hugh Glass after he was mauled by a grizzly bear
in the 1820s. He’s left for dead but somehow travels hundreds of miles through
the frozen Upper Missouri River country pursued by Indians and an occasional
Frenchman. I’d heard all the hype about this movie and DiCaprio’s performance.
I’ve never been a big fan of Leo, especially in tough guy parts, because I’ve
always thought a fit teenage girl could probably kick his ass. I have to admit
though, in this, probably the toughest of tough guy parts, he nails it. He and
Tom Hardy as the repugnant villain tower over the movie which is difficult
because the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Wear an extra
layer of clothing to watch this because you’re going to feel cold as Leo never
meets an ice laden stream he doesn’t want to wallow in. The director Iñárritu
is back with his usual hijinks with innovative camera shots. While those shots
were one of the best things about Birdman, here they felt a little more
distracting. For once the buzz about a movie is well founded, especially
DiCaprio and Hardy. This is one of those flicks where you want look away from
the carnage but it’s impossible to do so; a great movie. Who knows I may even
become a Leo fan. That would make my daughter happy.
MVP: Leonardo finally convincing in a
tough guy part as Hugh Glass
