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The story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's attempt to cross the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.
Critic Consensus
Critical reception for The Walk is largely positive, with reviewers broadly recommending it as a worthwhile theatrical experience. The film's extended climactic sequence atop the Twin Towers drew the most consistent praise, with critics highlighting the visual effects and immersive IMAX 3D presentation as its strongest assets. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance also received frequent commendation. The most common criticism was that the film plays it safe narratively, with some reviewers noting that the earlier portions feel rushed or overly reliant on CGI spectacle, and several pointed out that those familiar with the documentary Man on Wire may find it less compelling.
13 reviews · 8 positive · 1 mixed
AI-generated summary of 13 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyCritic Reviews (13)
"Petit's extraordinary story was also the subject of the Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire, whose slick blend of archival footage, still photographs, dramatic re-enactments and interviews made it an incredibly compelling watch. The only thing missing in that film was video footage of the actual walk itself. Although recreated, it's the piece de resistance of Zemeckis' film."Read full review ↗
"The film, and Gordon-Levitt, shines in this final act, as we watch, with our hearts in our mouths breath suspended, waiting for him to come back safely to the other side. Like the unbelievably fearless Petit, at this high point, you feel you are soaring, weightless, high above the world."Read full review ↗
"The Walk is not just a film, it's an experience. The gripping film will give you the chills as it takes you to the top of the twin towers for a never-seen-before journey."Read full review ↗
"While Petit's journey from novice to expert is breezed through, the final 40 minutes of the film, really suits the 3D treatment, makes it all worthwhile. Delightfully quaint and definitely entertaining."Read full review ↗
"...keeps you on the edge during its show-stopping sequence, which is worth a watch."Read full review ↗
"The acting is solid, if not exactly extraordinary. And the Imax heightens the dread and the perception to incredible heights. CGI is also quite majestic. This is simply note-worthy entertainment brought about by the best technicians in the business of cinema."Read full review ↗
"It's an easy enough walk to the ticket counter. Take it. And tell your friends about it. Flaws and all, it still is well worth the price of admission."Read full review ↗
"Philippe Petit was an amazing amalgamation of talent and courage (which many would call insanity) who made the impossible, possible. Watch this film for Levitt's great portrayal of Petit, Zemeckis' great visual effects and also the greatness of the feat achieved by the artist."Read full review ↗
"The Walk is in some sense an old-fashioned adventure movie. It can be seen by the whole family, it is narrated by the hero from the Statue of Liberty (appropriate because that was a gift by France to America) and it switches between '60s France and early '70s America. It's a movie with some amount of melancholy but mostly it's about human endeavour and friendships. It's about giving thanks."Read full review ↗
"Ultimately The Walk is for those who haven't seen Man on Wire, with all the standard feel good elements that you expect from the genre. Plus there's enough JGL cuteness to please his fans. But there's no denying that the people involved with this film played it safe to deliver a short climactic spectacle, rather than a truly compelling story."Read full review ↗
"...the director does a fairly good balancing act but when you remove the flesh and come down to the wire, you realise that the director is smitten by CGI imagery. No crime, but it makes the work of an artist, who always maintained that he is not a circus clown, a little gimmicky or what you loosely call Hollywoodish. It becomes all the more apparent for those who have watched James Marsh's astonishing Oscar winning documentary on the subject."Read full review ↗
"The Walk is engaging, without ever overdoing the drama. The film features top-notch visual effects, which are second only to its stellar performances. Watch it in IMAX for an unforgettable experience."Read full review ↗
"For those who know the Twin Towers only as crumbled tombstones made of smoke and tragedy, The Walk is a tour of those buildings as they were originally and as they were meant to be. To see them up close, watch The Walk. But to know what the madness and passion they inspired, find a DVD of Man on Wire."Read full review ↗
Cast & Crew
Cast
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt · Philippe Petit
- Ben Kingsley
- Charlotte Le Bon · Annie Allix
- James Badge Dale
- Clément Sibony
- Benedict Samuel · Jean-Louis
- Ben Schwartz · Albert
- Steve Valentine · Barry Greenhouse
- Mark Camacho · Guy Tozolli
- Sergio Di Zio · Officer Genco
- Kwasi Songui · Man with Plaid Sports Coat
- Melantha Blackthorne · Parisian Flower Child
- Jason Blicker · Officer Daley
- Larry Day · Texas Tourist
- Karl Graboshas · Earbud Guy
- Robert Zemeckis
- Tom Rothman
- Steve Starkey
- Jack Rapke
- Christopher Browne
Director
Screenplay
Music
Cinematography
Editing
Details
- Release Date
- 9 October 2015
- Runtime
- 123 min
- Language
- English
User Ratings & Reviews
7 ratings from the community

















