Man on Wire

As my last official film seen in the Summer 2008 series, Man on Wire was a great choice. This documentary tells the story of the must-be-half-crazy french tight rope walker Philippe and his passion to rig a wire between the two World Trade Center towers and walk across. This film is intense, dramatic, and comedic all at the same time. The footage of several high-wire crossings leading up to the finale, as well as all the preparation is fantastic. At times I was breathless and gripping my seat, incredulous at the nerve of this man. Because it is a film which is able to interview and interact with the actual players, it reminded me a lot of In the Shadow of the Moon in terms of documentary quality and effect. One of the best films in this summers viewing list.
5-stars

And since this particular blog was started in the middle of "Summer 2008", here is a complete listing for the record books. Forty-one, for those who don't want to count. And in true summer style, only two 5-star efforts, both of which where documentaries pretty far out of the main stream (note: even though Mostly Martha rates 5-stars, its stars were originally earned in 2001).

Prince Caspian - 2
The Forbidden Kingdom - 3
Reprise - 4
Ironman - 4
Sweet Land - 3
Superbad - 2
Sex and the City - 3
Speed Racer - 4
National Treasure, The book of secrets - 3
Focus - 3
The Fall - 4
The Air I Breathe - 1
Kung Fu Panda - 3
Crank - 2
The Incredible Hulk - 3
American Gangster - 4
Promotion - 4
Hitman - 2
Get Smart - 3
Mongol - 4
Mostly Martha - 5
Elizabeth - 3
The Golden Compass - 3
Exiled - 4
Wanted - 3
Shoot Em Up - 3
Hancock - 4
Persepolis - 4
Chris and Don: A Love Story - 5
Innocent Voices - 4
Batman Begins - 4
Raising Victor Vargas - 3
The Dark Knight - 4
War - 2
Caramel - 4
The Wizard of Oz (with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon soundtrack) - 3
The Great Debaters - 3
Out to Sea - 3
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - 2
Bottle Shock - 4
Man on Wire - 5