Sure, this summer's action blockbusters are amazing, but 2015 is also the year of the outdoors/adventure movie. If you love the great outdoors, in all its hiking, climbing, and expansive glory, then you've got to see every single one of these movies as soon as you can.
The first line in the trailer kind of sums up this documentary film: I always wondered how I was going to die and now... now I know. The movie's about a small group of climbers attempting to summit Meru, or "The Shark's Fin," in the Himalayas. It's completely insane, the way this movie draws you in... and it doesn't let go. Ever. You'll be replaying some of these scenes in your mind for weeks after you see them.
Is there any Hollywood mega-star who isn't in this movie, based (very loosely) on the Jon Krakauer masterpiece "Into Thin Air"? If you haven't read the book already, then do... and join me in picking the film apart, or go see the movie first, and enjoy the adrenaline rush. Brace yourself: it's also tragic. It's Everest.
Based on the fantastically funny book by Bill Bryson, I couldn't wait for this movie to come out! It's about two friends who, as part of a kind of mid-life crisis, set out to hike the Appalachian Trail. It's perfectly cast and very, very funny.
I didn't expect to fall in love with a movie in a language I don't speak, but wow, this is amazing! It tells the story of based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi, a poor man who carves a path through a mountain using his hands, a chisel, and a hammer.
Have you ever wondered how the environmental warriors at Greenpeace got their start? This documentary shows us, and it's so, so riveting. Who knew a documentary about saving the world could be so suspenseful? I mean, we already know what happens... but still.
Sure, this movie came out in theaters in 2014, but if you missed it on the big screen (like I did), then 2015 might be the first chance you've had to see it. It's such a great movie, telling us the story of a woman (played by Reese Witherspoon) who hikes the PCT.
This is in no way an outdoors-y, adventure, hiking or mountain-climbing movie. But it's made of adrenaline and sweat and grime and car chases and explosions and a marvelous Charlize Theron.
Have you seen these movies yet? What did you think?