Movie Review - Everest

Everest ** (out of 5) (PG-13) Those who think traveling the world to climb its highest, most challenging mountains is an enviable passion should probably read someone else’s review. This two-hour, fact-based account of a 1996 tragedy among parties struggling to reach the world’s tallest peak left me almost as cold as the frozen terrain they chose to navigate. A first-rate cast (Jake Gyllenhaal, Robin Wright, Josh Brolin, Keira Knightley, John Hawkes, among the bigger names) not only signed on for this intended tribute to those who tried and failed, but in many cases filled lesser roles. That was partly for authenticity, since most actors strongly resembled the characters they portrayed, as shown in the epilog.

We should truly admire those pioneers who risked their lives for larger purposes - discovering and settling new lands, plumbing the oceans’ depths, mastering flight, rocketing into space, etc. Once Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made it to Everest’s peak in 1953, the rest have mainly tried to match the feat for their own sakes, proving something to themselves or others. That’s not pioneering. It’s risking life and limb while imposing costs and consequences on families and friends, without the justification of possibly finding anything of value to others. It’s not even laudable as a form of ecotourism, to use the trendy term; it’s more of an ego trip for Americans, Europeans, New Zealanders, etc. who make a big deal out of doing once what native sherpas consider their regular jobs.

That perspective likely comes from aging and having watched a slew of similar films, including the recent Himalayan docudrama, Meru, and previous accounts of this incident. This one starts with a better-than-average intro to the players, and explanation of all the medical and situational dangers they’re about to face during six weeks in Nepal for preparation and ascent. The climbing comprises less of the running time than one might expect. Some of the cinematography is stunning. Those who go should choose the largest screens in range, preferably in 3-D. Although that option may not ramp up the thrill level as often as one might expect, it does make a number of scenes far more beautiful, majestic or frightening.

The bottom line is that your beliefs about pursuing such adventures will largely determine your level of enjoyment from this film. One may reasonably hope that it’s greatest value will be a deterrent far more compelling than stunt-performers’ standard “kids, don’t try this at home” disclaimers. (9/18/15)