The Boys in the Boat

"4⭐️ THE BOYS IN THE BOAT is a gratifying if bit uneven sports drama directed by George Clooney. I guess the title would be a dead giveaway that this film is not going to pass the Bechdel test and it doesn’t. Though it does seem as close to an accurate portrayal of 1930s Depression era America as we’re likely to get in contemporary film. Definite kudos for that. I was really in the mood for one of these based in reality inspirational underdog stories, and it fit the bill admirably .. with extra points for competition taking place at the notorious 1936 Berlin Olympics. This film, however, is not centered on racism but rather classism, with an all white, down on their luck college rowing crew that despite great odds against them, gets a shot at medal glory. So it’s not quite AS much the satisfying slap in the face to Hitler’s eugenics as the Jesse Owens story (highly recommend the film RACE) .. but satisfying nonetheless. We experience the emotional highs and lows, excitement and riveting suspense you’d expect from the grueling competition, as well as amazing attention to period detail and costume design, plus some fantastic acting by an appealing cast, primarily Callum Turner and Joel Edgerton. Although it would have benefitted from keeping the focus centered on the real life Joe Rantz arc as the emotional touchstone, as the story somewhat loses its way throughout and ends with emotional strands left untied. It’s also slow going for a while and, of course, predictable (which we DO want to some extent naturally!). However all in all, while not adding a whole lot to the genre, it did what it was supposed to do, elicited plenty of emotion and even brought some tears to my eyes. I’d say a pretty worthwhile and appealing watch! 🚣🚣🚣🚣🚣🚣🚣🚣"

"As a Seattle native, this film has been highly anticipated. Almost all the showtimes on Christmas Day-December 28th were sold out! The Boys in the Boat follows the tried-and-true underdog sports story formula. It’s one of the safest and most digestible movies I’ve seen in theaters this year, making it the perfect post-Christmas movie to watch with grandparents. It’s a straightforward story that is designed to make you feel good — nothing more, nothing less. For many people, this movie will give them exactly what they wanted—a retelling of a wholesome and historic story for the city of Seattle and the University of Washington. But it left me feeling disappointed. They could have done so much more to flesh out the relationships between characters and explore more nuanced themes (especially during the section in Germany). It’s truly admirable that George Clooney could create a film that tonally feels ripped out of the 1990s, but it was far too straightforward for me. I can’t speak to how well it adapts the book, but from what my family has said, at least a few plot points were changed for the movie. "

"Fun and enjoyable movie based on a true story. The beginning is long and tedious. You may just want to stop watching if you're casually viewing it. Since I went into the theaters, I didn't leave, and I'm glad I did. It's very compelling whether you know about them or not. I knew nothing outside of what I learned in the movie Race about Jesse Owen's, who does make an appearance in this movie. Granted, he makes some political statements too that you can see the movie makers subtly sticking in there for our current time. It's fine, but it did throw off the suspension of disbelief (when you realize you're watching a movie instead of just watching it). Average movie goers might not have this happen to them, but due to my schooling, I'm constantly aware of moments like that and any sort of bias. Still, it was a fun tidbit to see Jesse appear. Now for the races. You know what's going to happen. Basically, what the final outcome will be, yet the cinematography and way the movie goes about things keeps you on the edge of your seat. As my friend and I watched it, we both said it felt like something else would happen, and I'm just in awe of how they did that. Plus, they get some really cool looking shots. Finally, the ending. The final race is truly compelling, and you have no idea what will happen precisely. The suspense of every moment continues throughout. Just well shot and done. However, the actual ending of the movie leaves something to be desired. It just kind of ends. Like you're satisfied, but then it cuts back to him as a grandpa. Again it has an ending but it's not quite right. Almost like it needed one more round of editing to fix the pacing, or whatever seems to be wrong with it. I can't quite pinpoint it just from my one watching. Despite that, I full intend to watch it again and buy it myself. It won't be a favorite but it'll be enjoyable."

"The Boys in the Boat was a masterful film that delved deep into the University of Washington’s professional rowing team and their journey to get to the Olympics. Joe and Amy have a particular stand-out of a love story as both support each other through school and rowing in different, meaningful ways. There’s a cute, romantic scene at night where Joe teaches Amy how to properly row and another at the train station to get across the boundless nature of their love. Their love is the hope and catalyst amidst the mentally and physically tough sport of rowing, which is portrayed authentically as filled with hardship and deep-seated determination. The shots were sweeping and beautifully communicative of what rowers intensively go through. I gained a more intimate knowledge of their journey and that the victory is all the sweeter when won and shared together. "

"This movie has a lot of potential. My family loved this, I was slightly underwhelmed. The first part of this movie is slow, and I didn't feel super connected to any character. I just think I've seen better inspiring, motivating Olympic/sports movies. I will admit that the acting in this was good and there were meaningful themes of classism and grit during the Great Depression and one of the most divisive Olympics in history. Certainly an enjoyable movie if you're a lover of heartfelt sports movies, the Olympics, or rowing. "

"A wonderful movie based on a true story a little slow at first but definitely worth it. Super performances, plot, and cinematography with great and inspiring messages. Definitely watch. "

"Inspiring story of an underdog crew from Seattle, my hometown, that accomplished great things."

"Solid underdog sports story"

"Incredible movie. Great story line with a phenomenal cast. "

"A patriotic tale of an underdog rowing crew in the depression era 🇺🇸 The beginning is a bit slow but builds to an exciting finish. Worth a watch if you like feel-good sporty films. "