A thin buildup gives way to a breathtaking high-wire finale best seen in IMAX.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for The Walk is largely positive, with reviewers broadly recommending it as a worthwhile theatrical experience, particularly in IMAX and 3D formats. The film's technical achievements — especially its visual effects and the recreation of the titular high-wire sequence — drew consistent praise, as did Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance. The most common criticism was that the film's earlier sections feel rushed or surface-level, and several critics noted that an over-reliance on CGI gives the film a somewhat gimmicky quality; a few also pointed viewers toward the documentary Man on Wire as a more substantive treatment of the same subject.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
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.
Top critic
Film 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.
Top critic
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film review ·
...keeps you on the edge during its show-stopping sequence, which is worth a watch.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
Film 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.
From our readers
7 ratings · user score 7.4
Muddled but visually striking !
Credits
Joseph Gordon-LevittPhilippe Petit
Ben Kingsley
Charlotte Le BonAnnie Allix
James Badge Dale
Clément Sibony
Benedict SamuelJean-Louis
Ben SchwartzAlbert
Steve ValentineBarry Greenhouse
Mark CamachoGuy Tozolli
Sergio Di ZioOfficer Genco
Kwasi SonguiMan with Plaid Sports Coat
Melantha BlackthorneParisian Flower Child
Jason BlickerOfficer Daley
Larry DayTexas Tourist
Karl GraboshasEarbud Guy
Robert Zemeckis
Tom Rothman
Steve Starkey
Jack Rapke
Alan Silvestri
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