Everest (1/19/2016)

Rated PG-13 for intense peril and disturbing images

Starring Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Sam Worthington and Jake Gyllenhaal

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns)

The world can be divided into two types of people: those who would climb Mt. Everest and those who would think, “What are you, crazy?” If you fall into the latter camp, Everest will leave you convinced that you’ve made the right choice.

Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.

This film shows us all the horrible things that can happen to you on the mountain. Snow-blindness, frostbite, and of course falling down the mountain. Before they set out, team leader Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) informs his hikers that they will “literally be dying” the higher up they go. We can see how true this is, even before the storm hits.

Besides the drama of the climbers’ impending doom, the cast is very solid. Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, Sam Worthington and Jake Gyllenhaal all deliver very different but very believable performances. They draw us in to the lives of the men who they are portraying and their stories.

Speaking of stories, I have mentioned before that I am a sucker for the “true story” films, and Everest was no exception. This truly is a remarkable story of survival, perseverance, friendship and achieving goals.

That being said, the really remarkable and effective thing about Everest is the visual effects. There is not a single moment here that looks like it was computer-generated or shot against a green screen. Every single shot seems real…and feels real. And when the storm hits, the effects magnify the horror of what is happening to the climbers. Something unimaginable suddenly becomes very imaginable, and it’s nothing short of haunting.

If there was one thing about Everest that I did not love, it was the amount of time needed to “build-up” to the action. Viewers familiar with hiking may enjoy the attention to detail, the technical explanations and preparation, but I felt like that part dragged a little too much.

In spite of the flaw, I really enjoyed Everest. It never felt fake. This is an intense and terrifying recreation of an event that claimed several lives in a manner that most of us can’t even begin to fathom. This film made me feel like I was on the mountain and when the credits rolled I was relieved to be sitting in my comfortable theater seat. You owe it to yourself to share that experience…it’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is fine for older teenagers. There is no sex, nudity or strong language. The film is intense making it inappropriate for younger viewers.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What was the scariest part of the film for you?


2. What was the most inspiring part of the film for you?


3. How did you feel when Doug finally reach the summit?


4. What are some goals that you have already achieved?


5. What are some of your goals that you have not yet achieved?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.


6. How can achieving your goals bring glory to God?