Everest, the latest film by Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, is already a massive box office success around the world and is enjoying generally favorable reviews.
After premiering at the Venice Film Festival on September 2, Everest was released in cinemas last Friday, September 18—though in the USA and Canada it was released only to IMAX 3D cinemas and will go on general release tomorrow.
Despite this limited first week release, Everest is already number five at the US box office, grossing USD 7.2 million. The film is in number one slot in the UK, where it grossed GBP 3.1 million.
The film has taken over USD 36 million worldwide in its first week, and will see a massive jump when it goes on general North American release tomorrow. It cost USD 55 million to make. Everest is top of the chart in 12 countries.
The film stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson, and Jake Gyllenhaal and is based on a true battle for survival endured by two teams of climbers on the world’s tallest mountain in 1996.
Positive reviews have concentrated on the film’s epic quality, its scenery and effects, and its excellent suitability to 3D cinema. Negative reviews claim the characters could be better-developed and that the storyline could go a little deeper. Reviews have been generally positive, however, and word of mouth is strong. It is rated 73 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.5 out of 10 in IMDB.
