Regal’s Monday Mystery Movie is a great and affordable way for audiences to see a movie they wouldn’t typically go see. Sometimes the movie is a complete let down, but other times, audiences are shown an incredible film. The latter was the case for the Mystery Movie on Dec. 11.
“The Boys in the Boat” was the shown film this time around, and it did not disappoint. Based on a true story, Joe Rantz (Callum Turner), a University of Washington student in 1936 struggling to make ends meet, tries out for the junior varsity crew team after hearing members get a part time job and a place to sleep. Beating out over 100 applicants, Rantz joins the eight man team alongside his friend Roger (Sam Strike).
To everyone’s surprise, the junior varsity team goes above and beyond, proving to be exceptional. So exceptional, in fact, that the head coach decided to replace the varsity team with the junior varsity team and send them to compete for a spot in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
“The Boys in the Boat” is more than your typical feel-good sports movie, however. This film — just like the team — goes above and beyond in every aspect, making it an all around excellent movie.
This film does not skip a beat in getting into the plot. Right away, we’re introduced to Rantz and his situation, along with the recurring secondary characters. This prevented the movie from having While occasionally a quick pace can lead to poor character development due to a quick movie pace.t, this wasn’t the case.
Because we’re exposed to the characters in a setting where they’re all strangers, we get a feel for their personalities and characteristics alongside Rantz.
The film’s use of music outshines any film I’ve seen, by far. When the dialogue says little, the music says everything. The rowing scenes display this best. When the boys are exhausted, shouting at each other and working their bodies to the breaking point, every bit of sound is silenced.
The only thing the audience can hear is beautiful orchestral music. Through crescendos and a melody of notes, the music tells the audience everything they need to know about the emotional tension in the scene.
The lack of dialogue in these scenes makes the intricate close up shots of the oars, the rowers’ faces and the water, even more compelling.
Having a film set in the mid 1930’s opens up a variety of doors for costume and set design. Some viewers might not even realize it, but costumes and sets can make or break a movie and its believability.
Fortunately, “The Boys in the Boat” managed to perfectly capture the essence of the 30’s. Every aspect of the film felt authentic to its time.
But none of it would have been possible without the films cast. Callum Turner, known for his role as Theseus Scamander in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, put his heart and soul into his role. Turner took this film as his chance to stand out as a performer, by bringing Joe Rantz to life.
Although he didn’t have many lines, the most impressive performance was from Jack Mulhern, who portrayed Don Hume. Don is a quiet and shy rower on the team, yet he offers some of the funniest and most heartfelt moments in the film. He is a character that you cannot help but root for.
There is one thing that sets apart a good film, from a great film: Emotion. Only the best of films will make their viewers have real feelings throughout. “The Boys in the Boat” exceeded every emotional expectation I could have had.
From tears to smiles, worry and excitement — “The Boys in the Boat” is an emotional rollercoaster.
However, throughout the entirety of the film there’s one common theme — Hope. From beginning to end, viewers are encouraged to feel hopeful for Rantz, for the team and for their success.
By the end of the film, I was elated. And it seemed the rest of the audience was too, as the crowd erupted into applause once the credits rolled.
While I wasn’t expecting much from director George Clooney, this is a film that I will continue to rave about and recommend to anyone who will listen. Regardless of whether or not you’re a Washington Huskies fan, this movie is sure to win you over.
“The Boys in the Boat” arrives in theaters on Dec. 17, rated PG-13.
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Nice review.
I read the book, now I have to see the movie.