Took my mom to the cinema to see The Mountain Between Us, a movie which got a lot of bad reviews, but somehow still intrigued. One of the first things my mom said after the end credits rolled was: “Why would reviewers consider this a bad movie?” Yes, reviewers, why?
Sure, it’s predictable. And yes, the chemistry between the main characters isn’t really there. But it’s an entertaining movie. It has beautiful scenes of the Rocky Mountains and the action and adventure is gentle enough for those who go see it for the romantic element. Yes, it’s neither a good adventure movie, nor a gripping romantic drama. Yes, the director should have focused on just one genre, the epic adventure tale especially. But the poster and the trailer already tell you it’s not going to be Into The Wild or The Revenant.
Both Idris Elba and Kate Winslet are a joy to look at. Even after several days without food or the lack of a hairdresser in the wilderness, they still look very hot. Elba’s beard doesn’t seem to grow at all. Winslet’s bruised face could still be featured in a l’Oreal commercial. Let’s blame the perfect look on the clear, cold weather up in the high mountains! She’s a bit of an annoying, passionate, independent, restless photographer-journalist. He’s a quiet, rational, emotionally timid brain surgeon. Whoever thought the audience would believe they are a perfect match in heaven (well, the mountains – close enough) is wrong.
The movie would have been much better if one of them, or both, died somehow. After surviving Titanic, maybe Winslet should have just given her life for a change. But no.
Love going to the movies with my mom (83). She really enjoyed this one. So fuck reviewers who tell people it’s a bad movie. It’s not. It’s just not a great one.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2226597
