Movie Review: The Boys in the Boat

 

Michael’s Movie Grade: B

An very good feel-good sports movie. 

Director George Clooney fully understands what people love about this type of feel-good sports movie. While the clichés may make this not a critics favorite sports movie, Clooney has given us a sure-fire crowd pleaser here. This is an extremely well-constructed film. This especially shows during the rowing scenes. These scenes are perfectly timed and shot to make them as exciting as can be. Even when the clichés tell you what will happen next, the excellent filmmaking will make you second guess your own predictions (even if they are often right). This film also does a great job at making you care about these characters. While not every character is fully fleshed out the ones that are feel very relatable and likable. Because of how much we care about these characters, we want nothing more than to see them be victorious. Because of this we feel a true sense of triumph when they succeed. This is the key ingredient to a film like this and this is why it works so well. This movie also has a wonderfully old-fashioned feel to it. Set in the 1930's, this movie makes the best of its 1930's setting. This creates a truly handsome film, that uses props, sets and old-fashioned filmmaking to create something that is just a joy to look at. It also helps that this movie fully embraces its clichés. It is not ashamed of them and approaches them with great sincerity. Because of this heartfelt sincerity, the film is even very charming during its most clichéd scenes.

Unfortunately, though this movie does try to do a little too much for a film that is a little over two hours. Because of this, there are interesting subplots that simply are not allowed to be as fleshed out as they should be. They instead feel rushed. This is sad since these subplots have a lot of potential. 

Despite any flaws, this is a very effective feel-good movie. 

On the downside