127 Hours

"127" Hours is probably the last of the Academy Award movies/performances that I will see until the big day later this month. I've seen most of them this year and, as always, I will promise to view the ones I missed.

This movie is the true story of Aron Ralston whose harrowing journey of being trapped in a cave and having to self amputate his arm to survive has captivated all who has heard the story.

I kind of thought that James Franco's performance was nominated as he will host this years awards. I had read that the movie was very difficult to watch and, I went to see it out of total curiosity. What I saw was another brilliant direction of Danny Boyle (Slum Dog Millionaire). My reviews usually only focus on acting and the movie's impact but, Mr. Boyle's contribution goes to show that he is a directing great.

I thought I had picked my "Best Actor" weeks ago until I saw Mr. Franco's performance today. I have probably seen every body of work he has ever done most memorably as a "Stoner". Other than the outstanding direction, cinematography, soundtrack, familiar faces of actors I admire in brief appearances, the movie's almost two hours depended on his work. And, a job extraordinarily done it was.

I don't think it is James Franco's year to win the Oscar, however, "127 Hours" has put him on the map to be one of the great actors of his time.