Brad Pitt's 'Heart of the Beast' Earns Four Stars, While 'Sense and Sensibility' Receives Mixed Reviews

The survival thriller "Heart of the Beast," starring Brad Pitt, has garnered a four-star rating, praised for its gripping tale of a former Special Forces soldier and his loyal canine companion navigating a harsh wilderness. The film, directed by David Ayer, focuses on James Belmont, portrayed by Pitt, and his German Shepherd, Odin, who share a past of military service, both now retired and haunted by memories of war.

The narrative follows James and Odin as they seek solitude and salmon fishing in the Alaskan wilderness. Their idyll is briefly disrupted by an encounter with another adventurer, played by J.K. Simmons. However, the primary antagonist is nature itself, presenting challenges in the form of storms, bears, and wolves. The core of the conflict arises when James suffers a heart attack while flying, forcing him to make a perilous 58-mile journey back to civilization with only Odin and basic supplies.

The film is noted for its spectacular camerawork and divine scenery, complemented by an orchestral score that underscores James and Odin's arduous trek. Pitt's performance is described as fitting for the rugged character, with the dog, Uber, who plays Odin, being singled out as a standout performer.

In contrast, Georgia Oakley's new adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" has received a less favorable two-star review. While acknowledged for its visual beauty and some strong performances, particularly from Fiona Shaw as Mrs. Jennings, the adaptation is criticized for sacrificing Austen's characteristic nuance and subtlety in an attempt to modernize the story. The review suggests that the film's interpretation of Elinor Dashwood's feelings for Edward Ferrars is too overt, and questions the casting of a Norwegian actor in the quintessentially English role of Colonel Brandon.