Life of Pi Review.

Thoughts: Despite Life of Pi's critical acclaim, I was still skeptical because the trailer was unimpressive and I was expecting an entirely different type of film. To my surprise, Life of Pi was a fun, adventure fantasy film, and one of the better films I have seen from 2012. For those, like myself, that have not read the book, the trailer kind of looks ridiculous and did not make me want to see the film, however I gave it a shot and enjoyed the movie quite a bit.


Directed by: Ang Lee
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy,
Release Date: November 21, 2012
Running Time: 127 minutes
MMPA rating: PG


The Good: Stunning visuals, Surprisingly humorous, Fun adventure, Realistic computer generated animals,

The Bad: Slow start,



Plot Summary: The first 30 minutes is a standard biography of how Pi's childhood up until when he is stranded on a boat with a tiger named Richard Parker. Watch the new see what happens next.


Plot: 8.1/10- The film is narrated at some points by Pi being asked about his experience by an author and at a few points it cuts back to him telling the story and that narrative was actually used effective to progress the story, unlike another recent film that shall not be named. Even though it was probably in the book, some of the first 30 minutes felt a little unnecessary to the main plot. There is a part that is between five to ten minutes that could have been cut. However those scenes mostly served a propose, but I still felt as if it could have been streamlined to have better pacing. After that beginning, the film turned into a surprisingly fun adventure and the pacing problem was fixed. I expected the movie to focus on his spiritual journey and I was pleasantly surprised that it was more about the actual journey than anything else, although Pi's character did progress well.
*Minor Spoiler* The film takes a shockingly dark turn near the end, which can be off putting to some viewers, however I was mostly indifference about it. *End Spoiler*

Action: 5.2/10- There is a spectacular ship sinking scene, which is done very well and some of the animals fought each other briefly. It is more of a high seas survival movie than an action film.

Acting: 7.2/10- Suraj Sharma, as sixteen year old Pi, receives the most screen of the different actors who played throughout his life, and he does a great job in his role, even if he did not have a lot of dialogue. The other actors were all good, but the tiger, Richard Parker, is the real star of the film.

Special effects: 9.5/10- While many of the effects are obviously computer generated, it is actually works due to the stylized nature of the film. The visuals are the best part of the movie and, from I have read, the 3D was spectacular. Despite the overall visuals being well made, the tiger and other animals are the best element of the special effects. For the most part, the tiger was believable, except when it was wet, which made it look obviously computer generated.


Soundtrack: 7.7/10- Mychael Danna's score compliments well and sets the tone that film tries to achieve.


Comedy: 7.8/10- After the opening joke about Pi's full name, which was very funny, most of the humor comes from the situational humor about Pi trying to cohabitate with the tiger.

Would I Watch This Again: Probably, although it will be a long time before I am interested enough to watch it again.

Overall: 7.9/10- Overall, Life of Pi surprised me. It was a fun adventure movie that managed to balance the spectacular visuals with the story, which is rare for "Eye Candy" films such of this.

Closing comments: While not quite as profound as some may say, Life of Pi is a fun adventure with a unique story and stunning visuals.

Recommended for: Fantasy fans, Adventure fans,


Click here to check out more of my movie reviews.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.