Review of All Is Lost (2013) by Jc E — 17 Feb 2014

I had every expectation of not liking this movie, based solely on the fact that Robert Redford (Charlotte's Web) has become kind of a walking joke of late. That said, it worried me because he'll soon be seen in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', and I want that movie to succeed.

So, despite my initial misgivings, I put what little hope I had for this film in writer/director JC Chandor (Margin Call). Well, it turned out to be quite a tale. There is so very little dialogue that it's hard to really set up motivations, but that's part of the beauty in simplicity of the film.

I honestly expected a statement movie out of Redford, but this one is very character-driven, and he excels in selling his character. (Though, there may be a little tinge of corporate greed soapboxing woven in there, for those who are astute to these types of things.

Maybe I was reading too heavily into it?) So, maybe there is hope for his character in the latest Captain America film, but I remain cautious. It's not the most awe-inspiring film you'll see, but it's a quaint tale of survival with some great camera work and an impressive performance by a very seasoned (albeit very liberal) actor.