Friday Features: 'The Theory of Everything' review

Released in theaters over Thanksgiving, "The Theory of Everything" is an interesting, out-of-the-ordinary, magical and romantic British drama involving the early-to-middle years of the life of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.

Based off of the memoir, "Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen," written by now ex-wife Jane Wilde, this exceptional film tells the story of how Stephen and Jane got together, illustrates his diagnosis and harsh battle with motor neuron disease, and shows the success and accomplishments Stephen has had in the field of physics. This biographical film has its slow-burning and dullish moments and depicts the great struggle of Hawking and his family, which can be tough to watch at times. It also shows incredible heart, courage, and a life of a man who can only be described as phenomenal.

"The Theory of Everything" begins when Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde first met at the University of Cambridge in England. Both aspiring for a degree in some form of philosophy or science, they quickly took to each other while in school. Shortly after meeting, Stephen is diagnosed with motor neuron disease, a neurological disorder that impacts the cells that control muscle activity, i.e. speaking, walking, and general use of the body.

Instead of running away, Jane tells Stephen she loves him and wants to spend as much time as they can together, knowing full well he might only have up to two years to live. To anyone that knows Hawking's history, he is still alive and well (for his condition) to this day at the age of 72, and has accomplished more in his physically-challenged life than most people can imagine. This film displays the many ups and downs of Stephen and Jane's relationship, the life and family they built together, and many of the great things Stephen has been able to do, despite his vast impairment.

Going into this film, I didn't have a ton of hope it would be my kind of movie. There is so much comedy, science fiction, fantasy, and ridiculousness out there, that a film as down-to-earth as this didn't quite catch my eye at first glance. I couldn't have been more wrong, as I found an enchanting and sensational presentation about one amazing man's life and struggle. It has humor, romance, good music, science, and theoretical ideas about the world, black holes, God, and even speculation on how the universe was created and much more. It doesn't overwhelm you with any one theme or idea, yet presents everything from the basics to the more harsh moments of Hawking's life and his many theories.

The film doesn't have the most well-known cast, but features a variety of quality and up-and-coming actors. Actor Eddie Redmayne, as Stephen Hawking, plays a brilliant, very quiet and soft-spoken, almost odd type of person. His transformation from a fully-functional, normal person into a still very intelligent, physically-handicapped individual is shocking and incredible at the same time. I can't think of a better actor to play Hawking based on the believable and stunning performance Redmayne puts on.

Mirroring his presentation, young actress Felicity Jones plays Jane Wilde, and similarly puts on a great show. Showing audiences why Jane Wilde gave Hawking something to live for, her character is gorgeous to watch, also very smart, and differs a bit in philosophical and religious views. She has a great deal of patience, love, and bravery to stick with Stephen during most of his life. The supporting cast involves Charlie Cox, Emily Watson, Simon McBurney, David Thewlis, and more.

There are numerous tear-jerking and hard moments to observe from Hawking's drastic body change and gradual muscle decay to the many struggles he faces not being able to have proper use of his extremities or facial muscles. Between that, watching Stephen and Jane's romance slowly unravel, and Hawking receiving a tracheotomy and losing all speech capabilities, there is no shortage of tough content.

Watching Stephen try to feed himself, speak to people, crawl up the stairs, etc., can be difficult and sad to witness. At the same time, seeing the love and support from his family and friends that keeps Stephen going, the miraculous feats he is able to still do in the science and business world, and the everlasting smile and joking manner Hawking presents at every turn makes every rough moment worth watching.

Regarding themes, this film presents an assortment of things to think about. Whether a demonstration of love conquers all, showing audiences that there can always be something to live for, or proving that just about anything can be attained despite all odds against, "The Theory of Everything" has a lot of love, heart, courage, strength, beauty, and themes about following your dreams no matter what.

There is much more I could praise and talk about for this film, but I don't want to give too much away. With all of the different types of movies available, "The Theory of Everything" is itself a very unique type of feature. If you're looking for something with a little more passion, depth, and truth to it, then this film is for you. It's nice to have a change of content and pace, and come out of a movie feeling very surprised and excited at what I have just seen. I encourage anyone willing to give this film a shot. You just might be amazed at what you'll find if you try something other than the typical blockbuster.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

"The Theory of Everything" is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive material. Running time is 2 hours and 3 minutes.

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Hayden Pittman is a special contributor to WFAA.com and a freelance film critic and entertainment writer out of Dallas. He is a film, TV, and sports enthusiast, and when he is not reviewing movies, Hayden works in film production. As an average, passionate film lover who rarely misses a film, his reviews are simple and straightforward. Don't like what he has to say. Let him know at hpittman87@gmail.com, find him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter at @HPMoviePitt. Enjoy the movies!