The Boys in the Boat (2023) Movie Review

This underwhelming trend in Clooney's directorial career was evident in his 2020 film, "The Midnight Sky," a grand sci-fi production for Netflix. Much like that project, "The Boys in the Boat" fails to breathe life into its familiar themes. While not inherently flawed, the film lacks any distinguishing features, making it a forgettable and functional piece of cinema.

Comparing Clooney's earlier directorial works highlights the shift in his creative choices. His debut, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" (2002), was a flavorful combination of sea salt and caramel, while "Good Night, and Good Luck" (2005) offered dimension with a bourbon-infused mocha chocolate chunk. "The Ides of March" (2011) became a dependable staple, akin to mint chip ice cream. However, Clooney's recent projects, including "The Monuments Men" (2014), "Suburbicon" (2017), and "The Tender Bar" (2021), lack the distinctiveness that characterized his earlier work.

Despite the high expectations associated with Clooney and the best film's Christmas day release, "The Boys in the Boat" seems unlikely to make waves with audiences or awards voters. The lack of a standout element makes it a vanilla ice cream cone, not even the gourmet French or New York variety—just a plain and serviceable experience. In a decade where Clooney's directorial ventures have failed to capture the imagination, one can't help but yearn for the more flavorful and innovative choices that marked the beginning of his directorial career.

"The Boys in the Boat" reinforces George Clooney's consistent trend of directing projects that fail to make a lasting impact. Despite the involvement of Mark L. Smith, known for his work in horror and genre films, as the screenwriter, the adaptation of Daniel James Brown's source material adheres to the predictable sports movie formula without offering any noteworthy surprises.

• Read more: The Crime is Mine (2023) Movie Review

• Read more: wonka 2023 movie review

Set against the backdrop of the Depression, the film follows the University of Washington rowing crew's journey to qualify for the Olympics under the guidance of coach Al Ulbrickson (played reliably by Joel Edgerton). The protagonist, Joe Rantz (portrayed by Callum Turner), faces financial struggles and works part-time as a dockworker to pay for his education. While attempting to court a childhood friend (Hadley Robinson), Joe's character remains underdeveloped, and the interpersonal dynamics within the rowing team lack depth.

The film's production boasts a polished and even-tempered appearance but lacks distinctive stylization, conforming to the predictable Hollywood aesthetic for a 1930s period piece. Cinematographer Martin Ruhe captures the rowing sequences with a yellowish hue and earth tones, occasionally drawing inspiration from Leni Riefenstahl's Nazi propaganda documentary, "Olympia." The use of CGI backdrops in scenes on the water diminishes the immersive potential of the narrative.

Alexandre Desplat's score, characterized by airy flutes and light strings, complements the film's early scenes, while a soundtrack of jazzy numbers accompanies the expected training montages. As the story shifts to Berlin for the finale, Clooney maintains a measured pace, even in the face of fascist elements, revealing a reluctance to deviate from his stately directorial approach. Classical Hollywood motifs, such as the big kiss at the train station, are incorporated, emphasizing Clooney's recurring inclination toward old-timey sports movies.

In comparison to Clooney's previous foray into 1920s football with "Leatherheads" (2008), "The Boys in the Boat" lacks the same style and energy. The film may be competent in its execution but ultimately fails to distinguish itself or leave a lasting impression, making it another addition to Clooney's recent portfolio of underwhelming directorial endeavors.

The predictability of every element in "The Boys in the Boat" is so apparent that even without knowing the outcome, one could easily guess it. However, this film doesn't aim to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It evokes a sense of quiet respectability reminiscent of Robert Redford's films from the 1990s, like "A River Runs Through It" (1992) and "Quiz Show" (1994), which linger in the audience's memory long after viewing. Unfortunately, Clooney's work in this regard falls short.

Yet, there's a lesson in the narrative about Joe Rantz putting aside his ego for the greater good. While the coach's claim that "rowing is more poetry than sport" isn't entirely justified by the workmanlike production, there's a message about people uniting to challenge a corrupt government, particularly the Nazis who attempt to manipulate the competition in their favor. Clooney, known for his outspoken stance against Trump, likely resonated with this story, appreciating the rowers for uniting against a common oppressor. Although Mark L. Smith's screenplay doesn't overly emphasize this point, the underlying message is present, and that counts for something.

The Boys in the Boat FAQ