Movie Review: The 33 (PG)

Nov 18, 2015 06:00 am

For a movie about trapped miners, there is a shocking absence of tension. Perhaps it is because we know that all 33 of them survived, since The 33 is based on the 2010 Chilean mining disaster where they were buried underground for 69 days.

It doesn't help that director Patricia Riggen tries to condense too much into two hours.

Riggen zooms in on a few men with great results, particularly Antonio Banderas, who gives a stellar performance as Mario Sepulveda, known as "Super Mario" for his skill at boosting his co-workers' morale despite starvation.

Rodrigo Santoro also excels as Laurence Golborne, the Minister of Mines who has to balance politics and the drama.

Riggen makes a valiant effort in keeping this flick afloat, but she is weighed down by the massiveness of the story. 

Ratings: 2/5