Stranded in Suspense: 'Last Ride' (2023) Movie Review

In this episode of Mindset Movie Reviews, I take a closer look at Last Ride (2023). Directed by Cinqué Lee, starring Roman Griffin Davis, Felix Jamieson, Charlie Price, Kristofer Hivju, and Gustaf Skarsgård. ⭐ Rating: 3.0/5 🏆 IMDb: 4.9/10 🎬 Genre: Thriller ⏱ Runtime: 98 minutes 📅 Release Year: 2026 🎥 Watch the full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVB0IfExYAw Follow the podcast for more honest movie reviews — no fluff, no hype.

Transcript

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Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Let's review A Rare Grand Alignment from 2021. A RARE Grand Alignment, directed and written by Cinke Lee, is a thriller that attempts to weave a tale of survival, friendship, and introspection. Set against the backdrop of a Norwegian mountain in the winter of 1982, the film follows three American boys, Devon, played by Roman Griffin Davis, Sid, portrayed by Felix Jameson, and Jamie, played by Charlie Price, who find themselves trapped in a cable car during a rare celestial event. The film's premise is intriguing, but its execution leaves much to be desired. The story begins with a flashback to a fateful day when the boys, on vacation in Vargoy, Norway, persuade a cable car operator, Oivind, played by Christopher Hivju, to take them up the mountain. Their adventure quickly turns into a nightmare when a power outage leaves them suspended high above the ground. The film attempts to explore themes of resilience and friendship as the boys face the harsh realities of their situation. The performances by the young actors are commendable, with each bringing a sense of authenticity to their roles. Roman Griffin Davis, known for his role in Jojo Rabbit, shines as Devon, the innocent and curly-haired protagonist. Felix Jameson and Charlie Price also deliver solid performances, capturing the essence of teenage camaraderie and vulnerability. However, the character's lack of depth and development makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in their journey. Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography effectively captures the isolation and danger of the boy's predicament, with the cable car becoming a world of its own. The atmospheric sound design and music add to the tension, creating a sense of unease that lingers throughout the film. However, the narrative struggles to maintain this tension, often falling into predictability and cliche. The film's attempt to blend a survival tale with a coming of age story is ambitious, but it ultimately falls short. The boys' discussions about therapy and personal trauma feel forced and out of place, detracting from the film's overall impact. The decision to set the story in the 80s while nostalgic adds little to the narrative and could have been more effective if set in a contemporary context. A rare grand alignment is a film with potential, but it never quite reaches the heights it aims for. The story is bogged down by its own ambition, with too many ideas competing for attention. While the film offers moments of genuine emotion and stunning visuals, it lacks the cohesion and depth needed to leave a lasting impression. In the end, it is a film that, much like its characters, is caught between two worlds struggling to find its footing. That wraps up my review of a rare grand alignment, and I'm giving it three stars out of a maximum of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this content, please like, subscribe, and I hope to see you next time at Mindset Movie Reviews.