Although there are multiple names in the cast list, they are all very much obsolete in this movie. About 15 minutes into the film you will realize that this is very much the James Franco show.

Those who doubted this man's potential to be a serious actor, after starring in films like Pineapple Express and Spider-Man [not to mention his bizarre recurring role on General Hospital – Ed.] will be eating their hats when he gets his much deserved Oscar nomination for this film. This film could have gone to the dogs if it didn't have the right talent behind it. Lucky enough, with Franco in front of the camera, and Academy Award winner Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, The Beach) behind it, it succeeds in being one of the year's best thrillers.

The film begins with hiker Aaron Ralston (Franco) exploring a canyon in Utah. The first fifteen minutes or so play out like a fun sort of adventure film, with Aaron and his two newly-found lady friends enjoying what the isolated canyon has to offer. When the girls leave, a cocky Aaron continues his explorations, jumping from rock to rock, carefree. That's when tragedy strikes and poor Aaron finds himself stuck in a crevice, with his right hand wedged between a rock and the wall.

It is only then that the movie really starts. The movie title, 127 Hours, comes from Aaron's struggle to stay alive, and his eventual freedom in exactly that amount of time.

The movie excels because of Franco's stellar performance. It would be too easy, and quite frankly not very entertaining to see a man shout for help and get angry for 5 days, but Aaron Johnson has heart. And although he might not be the smartest or most likable character in the world, we still very much want to see him get out alive. This is a credit to the writing and, of course, to Franco. Whatever emotion the character feels, the audience feels it with him. Aaron's mood can change in an instant, and does so quite frequently. At times he appears to be rational, relying on his brain to get him out of the situation. At other times he appears to be completely mental. One particular scene sees him interviewing himself in a crazy and hilarious fashion.

What is so good about the film is that there is this shared experience between Aaron and the audience, and that is something that only a handful of movies have managed to achieve.

127 Hours really is an intense and emotional rollercoaster, with plenty to cheer about. One particular sequence near the end of the film is so intense and graphic (there are cases of cinema goers throwing up in the aisles, so those with a weak stomach beware) that it simply must be seen by anyone who calls themselves a worthy movie fan. Visually, it's among Danny Boyle's best. (Shots of the beautiful canyon in the sun brings back memories of The Beach). And if I haven't already mentioned it sufficiently, the acting is fantastic. This movie should do wonders for James Franco's career. Keep an eye on him in years to come.

Overall, and most importantly, 127 Hours is a thoroughly enjoyable film, worthy of the hype. Go see it!

  -- Joe O'Brien