MacGillivray Freeman's
The Alps
Review by Ross Anthony

The picture opens with big beautiful snowcapped Alps swirling beneath a gentle moving aircraft like cake frosting. In fact, the cinematography on this picture makes full use of that big screen. It's a great way to take a quick trip to the tiny mountain towns snuggling the foothills and green plateaus into which the huge chocolate wedges of the Alps dip. And to top even that frosting off, the music of Queen emphasizes the visual awe.

During the first half we are introduced to the Alps in broader terms, from varying angles and people. I enjoyed the bit on avalanches, but would have enjoyed more specifics. Then the second half focuses on one particular climber He's a fellow with an emotional mountain to climb as well -- the Alps claimed the life of his father many years prior. The film follows this man's ascent along the same cliff face that echoed with the broken rope of his father, while his wife and child support him from below. It's an engaging story, these are sweet people with a noble goal, but the pace of the film suffers a bit. Some tightening in the editing would have helped.

Still a solid large format film, grading between a B+ and an A-, I'm rounding up.

-- Book Contest --


  • The Alps. Copyright © 2007.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


chili4 special olympians
power5 ra hforh radiop
Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Thursday, 18-Oct-2007 20:09:00 PDT