All is Lost

All is Lost

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 11/8/13

Reviewed 11/14/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary, Kim and Steve

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

There is not a great deal to review with the cast and actors of this tense action drama. It's all Robert Redford and we don't even know his character's name. This is an ambitious film with very little dialogue and what a test for Redford at 77. We all liked it, although Kim and I probably appreciated it more than Steve and Gary. I think Gary dozed in between words and conversely since not much conversation on screen, Steve gladly filled in the gaps.

Redford is out in the middle of the Indian Ocean sailing alone. We don't know the reason behind this trip, we can only assume for solitude and his love of sailing. I have a hard time identifying with either so hopefully I appreciated the gutsy journey of this story enough. Redford's sailboat getting rammed by a huge drifting shipping container sets into motion his stream of unforeseen bad luck. Examining the damage, and repairing over and over again, is the theme throughout the eight day ordeal. Determined, yet never panicking with each challenge thrown his way, you have insight into what he is thinking through his actions and expressions versus what is said. All is Lost is nerve-racking and edgy to the end and confirmation, to me anyway, on reasons never to go sailing on a small boat in the middle of the ocean. Certainly not alone!

QUIET Rating system: 3 1/2 Js

Quality: JJJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj