The Theory of Everything

So we kick off 2015's film reviews with the latest Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory Of Everything.

Apparently, this is almost the twin brother of Benedict Cumberbatch's Hawking TV movie so I guess if you've seen that you probably don't need to worry with this.

If you're looking to gain some more knowledge on this incredible figure then the film certainly highlights some interesting biographical points but there's not nearly enough science here to make sense of Hawking's academic career.

Instead, the focus is very much on the, albeit tragic, tale of his up and down marriage to Jane Hawking; who wrote the book on which this is based and is the mother of Hawking's three children.

As such, this is more a romantic drama than a physics film which, as aforementioned, takes away somewhat from the achievements of Hawking's work.

Good points are the incredible portrayal of the man by Eddie Redmayne, going above and beyond to portray every facet of Hawking. The dedication and research put in is phenomenal and awards surely beckon.

There's also some laugh out loud moments which help to lighten the mood on this tragic story (Hawking's answers to a Q&A session in America show his incredible wit) and it's an extremely uplifting, thought-provoking and empowering treatise on disability and testament to a man whose sheer character, drive and intelligence has beaten everything that has been thrown at him.

It's just too long though, and with no clear timing reference to frame the narrative (especially after it is made clear that when Hawking was initially diagnosed he was given just two years to live.) Also, it may just be me, but the lack of science (as aforementioned) is a real issue. If you want a better understanding of Hawking's work this doesn't offer that at all.

A worthy depiction of a great man but not quite the movie he deserves.

3 stars ***