MOVIE REVIEW FOR: THE DESCENT
MOVIE REVIEW FOR : THE DESCENT
art and writing by Phillip Seahorn
| Starring: | Shauna MacDonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, Nora-Jane Noone |
| Produced by: | Paul Smith (XVI), Christian Colson, Paul Ritchie |
Do Brits make far better horror movies now?This movie harkens back to the spate of Hammer vampire movies from the Brits in the late sixties and early seventies."The Descent" seems to be the "new generation" of superb horror flicks from across the pond.
Like "28 Days Later" (which made the vampires RUN to eat your ass) this move redefines monster movies like "28 Days" did for zombies.
" The Descent" covers psychological,horror, gore, and terror in one movie.PLUS, it is a great date movie AND chick flick!
The acting is wooden in some parts, with Natalie Mendoza becoming better as the movie moves along in playing her somewhat "Ripley" role as ass kicker of the movie monsters.
As a ensemble, all female cast, this will open doors.I liked "Alien" because of Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ripley.I'm not threatened by a strong, heroic female in a movie.I hope Hollywood follows this trend, and make more movies with female leads in action movies. Mendoza's character in the movie is the most sexiest I have seen.Fellas, she does a thing with her leg in the beginning of the movie that will stay with you after seeing this flick.Trust me.
Mendoza could easily play the "Wonder Woman" role that Hollywood is struggling to cast right now.This woman is like a female Sylvester Stallone.She works out and is a master rock climber.She is smart (well, not EXACTLY like Stallone) and a leader.Hell, she even hints at some bi sexuality!She sells the movie, and she was cast perfectly.
The special effects are the goriest I have seen of late.I actually got a little nauseous in some scenes.
Now, for the chestnut of this film.This is the first vampire/zombie/cannabilism/monster movie I have seen.The Brits excel in combining genres in one movie.
A drawback is the heavy accents of some of the actresses.In other words, I couldn't understand a fucking thing they were saying.Try watching a Brit film sometime.They speak English, but you might as well be French.
This movie was relegated to the small screen, with "Taledega Nights" getting the big screen treatment.And, the movie ranked fifth in box office this past weekend.Maybe word of mouth will boost this movie, but with "Snakes On A Plane"opening this week, it may further push the movie to the foreground.
SEAHORNMOVIEMETER: "B+"
posted by PHILLIP SEAHORN @ 7:59 AM
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