The Walk

Sony Pictures Releasing | Release Date: September 30, 2015

7.4	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 251 Ratings

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Rebecca31Nov 8, 2015

Witness the epic story of Philippe Petit, the man who dared to walk across a wire suspended between the twin towers. The amazing event portrayed on the big screen, in 3D no less. Definitely worth a watch, the catch however, you'll have to sitWitness the epic story of Philippe Petit, the man who dared to walk across a wire suspended between the twin towers. The amazing event portrayed on the big screen, in 3D no less. Definitely worth a watch, the catch however, you'll have to sit through at least an hour of pure fluff, Philippe's early life in Paris as told through one of the most cringe inducing narrations in film history, made all the worse by Joseph Gordon-Levitt's attempt at a French accent. Points for effort as the rest of his performance redeems itself. Honestly there's only one scene in this film that makes it worth the time, everything else is just padding, and there is absolutely no excuse for CGI juggling, none.
Recommended yet the documentary that stars the real life Philippe Petit is a much better watch.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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ldogOct 1, 2015

Def. see Man on Wire first - then consider this optional. This was interesting, but it got very sentimental + overly patriotic in a pandering way. Entertaining, but gets a to bit a much especially toward the end.
ExcellentDef. see Man on Wire first - then consider this optional. This was interesting, but it got very sentimental + overly patriotic in a pandering way. Entertaining, but gets a to bit a much especially toward the end.
Excellent cinematography/visuals up high.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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AxeTOct 9, 2015

Very well made, big production of underdog personal triumph true story. There is nobody better at making a movie more cinematic than Zemeckis, and Bob delivers fairly well on the 3D though not far enough as far as I'm concerned.
It can be aVery well made, big production of underdog personal triumph true story. There is nobody better at making a movie more cinematic than Zemeckis, and Bob delivers fairly well on the 3D though not far enough as far as I'm concerned.
It can be a strange thing when a Hollywood movie treats a known true story such as this. With say "Captain Phillips" I was absolutely riveted despite knowing the ending (a 10 rating from me), but with this I was somewhat bored despite its charms. I prefer the doc "Man on Wire" with the actual walk footage.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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FilmPhonicOct 10, 2015

This isn’t the first time you may have encountered Philippe Petit and his death-defying career, 2008’s Oscar-winning documentary ‘Man on Wire’ did a sterling job of illuminating this extraordinary event with the people actually involved andThis isn’t the first time you may have encountered Philippe Petit and his death-defying career, 2008’s Oscar-winning documentary ‘Man on Wire’ did a sterling job of illuminating this extraordinary event with the people actually involved and real footage. So, if you want to make this well know story explode out of the screen even further, you’ll need a visionary filmmaker, cinematic technician and accomplished storyteller. Enter Mr. Robert “Bob” Zemeckis in only his 2nd non-animated film in 15 years.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Petit and so we address the 1st major stumbling block, his “French” accent. Impressive when he actually speaks French but unintentionally comical throughout the majority of the film when he’s speaking English, we’re talking “Inspector Clouseau” level farcical.

If you can get past that then ‘The Walk’ is a mix of stylistically sentimental biography and a carefully planned caper with a generous sprinkling of performance art, all orchestrated with Zemeckis’ years of technical storytelling expertise . It’s also an attempt to eulogize the artistry of those who defy death, and a not-so-subtle tribute to the memory of the “Twin Towers” and New York City.

Needless to say ‘The Walk’ is a considerable visual achievement and an enthralling cinematic experience, challenging if you suffer from vertigo, or have a perfectly rational fear of extreme heights. The final scene is basically a stunning piece of cinematic performance art, but that alone does not make a great film.

The narrative plays out with a flamboyant and almost magical quality that’s rather misplaced and ultimately takes away from any real tension and jeopardy in a film where you know the endgame from the start. Despite the glorious final scene, the story and performances don’t delve deep enough into the unique psyche of a person who would attempt such a thing, ultimately ‘The Walk’ is an entertaining adventure that doesn’t do justice to the actual man and his feat the way that ‘Man on Wire’ does.

The Bottom Line…
‘The Walk’ goes heavy on style and visual presentation but light on substance and character, a stunning piece of performance art that’s never quite matched by the narrative or performances, and a good example of reality proving more compelling than Hollywood drama.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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TyranianDec 6, 2019

Reasonably impressive film about high-wire walker but the climax is milked a bit much.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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mmweissOct 17, 2015

Despite many technical flourishes, "The Walk" has a script so painfully bad that it's very hard to believe that Robert Zemeckis, an experienced filmmaker, wrote it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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