Man vs. the elements is a common theme in moviemaking, allowing for an appealing sense of ruggedness and oneness with nature that instantly lends itself to movements of high adventure and the euphoria of personal discovery. “Kon-Tiki” accepts the genre challenge with an incredible story of survival and scientific craving to help power its cinematic urgency, delivering genuine awe as it details the unwavering curiosity of Thor Heyerdahl and his amazing trip from Peru to the Polynesian Islands in 1947. Rich with character and heavy with ocean-based peril, “Kon-Tiki” is unexpectedly exciting and refreshingly human, retaining a searing sting of heartache and doubt as it manufactures eye-popping moments of near-death experiences and the strange tranquility of total isolation. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com