THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (M)
Director: Hany Abu-Assad (Omar) Starring: Kate Winslet, Idris Elba, Beau Bridges, Raleigh, Austin. Rating:
IN the curiously ineffectual new adventure drama The Mountain Between Us, the only way is down ... and down, and down.
As we all know, Kate Winslet famously survived the spectacular screen sinking of the Titanic many years ago. So shrugging off a light plane crash on an icy mountain should be a comparative walk in the park.
Especially when there’s a man mountain like Idris Elba around for back-up. Somewhat conveniently, Elba just happens to be playing a doctor, so any injuries sustained by he and Winslet can be dealt with on the spot.
The story opens at Salt Lake City Airport, where a bad weather forecast has grounded all flights for the rest of day.
However, intrepid photojournalist Alex (Winslet) and gifted neurosurgeon Ben (Elba) both have some place to be a few states away.
Alex is required personnel at her own wedding. Ben has a lifesaving operation to complete. The pair notice each other’s exasperation at the airport close-down, and after about 30 seconds of spitballing, decide to charter a light plane from a nearby hanger.
The elderly pilot (Beau Bridges) who accepts the booking is in such a rush to grab the cash that he neglects to file a flight plan with local aviation authorities. The old fella probably should have taken a health check ahead of time as well. For though he gets Alex and Ben around the gnarly storm system with ease, a sudden fatal stroke over a snowy range of peaks means his passengers are going to have to cancel all coming appointments.
The bird goes down. Splits in two. Alex, Ben and the pilot’s trusty pooch are in the right half of the aircraft to live to see another day. As for another few days, well, that could be a problem. It’s a subzero chiller up there.
For what is supposed to be a stirring tale of survival against incredible odds, everything depicted here gives off a stilted vibe that does not invite your complete involvement.
Never has there been a movie game played for such low stakes at high altitude.
Particularly when Winslet and Elba convey all the urgency and desperation of a couple who can’t find their vehicle in a busy shopping centre parking lot.