Reviews

Descent

Andy already gave this one a good review earlier, cause he’s so much cooler than me and can play region two DVD’s. I’m afraid if you’re looking for a different take you’ll be disappointed, cause I’m gonna butter up this ham as well.

The Descent was probably one of the best thrillers I have seen this year. It will definitely rank in my top three or five of the year right along with the Hills Have Eyes remake and the eagerly anticipated Snakes on a Plane. This is a sophomore effort for writer-director Neil Marshall, whose 2002 Dog Soldiers was a cult hit.

Now why critics, including Andy, want to keep comparing this movie to Alien bewilders me. Is it just because we have a group of strong female characters, a low budget and a sense of isolation? My pick would be Deliverance with a lot more blood and a bigger body count. If we need to do some more comparison, lets set this film beside copycats The Cave and the recently new to DVD The Cavern. Now I guess I don’t need to tell you who wins this little discussion.

Marshall does deliver on the scares, by getting a few cheap jumps out of the way early on before the real fun starts. There are some really neat and gruesome deaths and more poles going through people than a European football match (thanks Mel). The gore is never excessive or gratuitous but well earned and in some scenes, downright pretty.

As in Dog Soldiers, Marshall incorporates strong characterization within the film. Now while not all of the six girls are completely fleshed out, he does focus well on the main two being Juno (the ill-fated leader and extreme junky), played by Natalie Mendoza and Sarah (the friend who is trying to get over her recent trauma), played by Shauna Macdonald.

The cave dwelling creatures were very well one, as well as inventive. Who would have thought that something so simple could seem so original?

Andy pointed out Marshall’s use of light and darkness was to be commended and I have to agree. Anything a director can do to add to the tension of a horror film is great and he does it with so much bravado. There is also excellent usage of a night vision lens in strategic parts of the film.

The only real disappointment I had with the film is the use of an alternate ending for the lightweight American audiences. I know that when the DVD is released in the states both endings will be available, but dammit I hate when censors feel the blow has to be softened for us yanks, and we don’t get the bleak ending we deserved! If you want a happy ending, don’t go see an f-ing horror film.

Score – 8.5 (I’d probably give the original a 9)
George

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