FOX
2015 COLOR
157 MINS.
DRAMA
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnhall and Will Poulter star.
Written and Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Rated R for language, violence, gore and nudity
Dreadfully unengaging is how I would describe this film. The Revenant finally hits wide release this past weekend with a lot of buzz especially after it's undeserved awards sweep at the Golden Globes. I was a big fan of Inarritu's last feature Birdman and even though I've never been a big fan of DiCaprios I thought he looked pretty good in the trailer, plus the amazing Tom Hardy is in it. Well I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed or bored. Everything about this film is a missed opportunity. The story is barely there, the characters have no depth, the film is sloppily edited, the cinematography is pretty in spots but inconsistent, the score is generic and unfitting and the direction is confusing and pretentious. The film reminded me of a fake Terrence Malick rip off. It seems to be loaded with wanna be symbolism but keeps coming up flat. DiCaprio's performance is uneven at best. He has moments amidst the muck but never truly connects with the proceedings or his character. His motivations are unclear as well as his artistic choices. Hardy is better in his role but doesn't seem to have much to do besides be a villain. In fact the best thing about the film is Poulter who shined in a comedic role and seems impressively at home here in a dramatic one. All the elements were here to make a new version of Braveheart. But instead we are left with a soul less art film too cocky for it's own good. I may not have a popular opinion right now of this film but I stand by it and if any of this seems to connect with you. Avoid this film at all costs. **/5
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