Movie Review: '127 Hours'

Summary : Based on the true story of Aron Ralston , a Utah rock climber who was trapped in a cavern for nearly five days when a boulder falls on his arm. Going to any lengths to survive, he eventually sawed off his arm, all while reflecting on life.

Review : 127 Hours marks the beginning of awards season and it is the first true Oscar contender to come out this year. The horrific emotional drama is directed by Academy Award winner Danny Boyle , the man behind Slumdog Millionaire , and stars the excessively talented James Franco .

127 Hours is a film that could've easily crumbled. For the most part, it takes place in one location with tons of dream sequences. After being trapped by a boulder, what else is there to do to keep the attention of easily bored movie goers? Well, everything under the well-written Utah sky is what Boyle managed to do. The flesh-filled flick is what a "human" movie is all about. It forces you to ask yourself: What would you do in this situation? Could you survive? Who and what are you not appreciating? How can you live life better? Even better, 127 Hours doesn't answer the questions for you, it just shows one person's journey.

Franco plays Aron Ralston, who was trapped for almost five days with his arm under a boulder in Robbers Roost, Utah in 2003. This is one of those meant-to-be roles for Franco. One classic line from the film is, “This rock has been waiting for me my entire life.” Well, this role has been waiting for Franco his entire life. Essentially, his performance is a one-man show and the California native captures the sweaty and gritty essence of such an extreme circumstance.

In the movie's most climactic scene, Ralston breaks and cuts off his arm. After building over an hour of tension, which can't be described as horror but is definitely terrifying, it all leads to this do-or-die freedom. He is on the verge of death due to starvation and thirst, suffering delirium. Boyle and editor Jon Harris created a  scene that is not necessarily gory but more squeamish than any slasher or torture porn flick. It’s a see-it-for-yourself movie moment.

127 Hours is an inspirational and a near-perfect film. However, it's something I could never watch again. The blood, bones, screams and emotional terror were at times overwhelming. But, Boyle and everyone behind the project made 127 Hours another reason to never lose your faith in the magic of movie making.

127 Hours is in theaters today.