Life of Pi

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2013)

Ang Lee, a director who's talents shine through screenplays which allow room for visual spectacle and impulsive emotion, does not always choose his projects wisely, i.e. 2003's "The Hulk." He is; however, brilliant when a film rises to his level of directing, i.e. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Brokeback Mountain." The 3D world Lee and his crew creates and calls "Life of Pi," is his third great film, and it astonishes.
One worthy accomplishment of Lee's adventure spectacle, is the striking utilization of CGI. Many novice moviegoers would perhaps be surprised to find out the tiger was completely computer generated- as were many animals and additional effects. Unlike, this year's "Wrath of the Titans," the CGI isn't misguided, but nearly flawless. Every movement, every motion, and even the deep soul within the tiger's eyes are crafted with a master's care and precision. The use of 3D, though I am not a fan, is also very good. "Life of Pi" doesn't try to be a 3D jaw-drop and awe show, it simply tells its story and lets the visuals come as they do. I imagine the film would be equally riveting when seen in 2D. There will be an injustice if Lee's Pi doesn't win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. It's also a shoe-in for nods in Cinematography and Sound Editing, but the winners in those categories will probably be The Master and Skyfall, respectively.
What Lee brings to the screen here is nothing short of visual brilliance- Life of Pi takes you on a sort of magic carpet ride created by brilliant imagineers. But this magical adventure did miss the 'four star' award for good reason. There is one scene at the end of the film where Pi tells an alternate story- and though it is meant to draw parallels, it in fact takes away some of the magic.