As Above/So Below (D+ or 1.5/4 stars)
During a trek to the Middle East, Lara Croft-like archeologist Scarlett (Perdita Weeks) discovers the key to translating a clue left by a renowned alchemist about the location of the legendary Philosopher's Stone in 'As Above/So Below' (directed by John Erick Dowdle). With the help of her loyal pal, George (Ben Feldman), who can translate Aramaic writings, Scarlett discovers that the stone may be located in a secret tunnel in the dark-&-narrow catacombs beneath the streets of Paris. She then finds a catacomb enthusiast/guide, Papillon (Francois Civil), along with a fearless "cataphiles" crew & documentary cameraman Benji (Edwin Hodge).
From there, Scarlett, George, & co. descend into the twisted underground passages looking for said stone; rumored to possess the all-important elixir of life, along with the supernatural ability to turn base metals into gold. Referencing Dante's entrance into Hell, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here" is the inscription uncovered by these ragtag tomb raiders as they explore the spooky catacombs. Treasure, elixirs, gold -- that's all great. But so, too, are there the bones of 6,000,000 dead people in creepy mass graves ... and mayyyyybe they don't want to be disturbed. Along the way, they stumble upon demonic imagery, along with a bizarre being known as 'The Mole' (Cosme Castro), who informs them that "The only way out ... is down". Claustrophobic mayhem ensues.
Filmmaker John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine) & his co-writer/brother Drew, have produced a collection of great ideas for this movie. Unfortunately, they've also chosen the COMPLETELY played out "found footage horror movie" visual approach, which is utilized for somewhat-effective jump-cut shocks/thrills ... but also makes for a redundant, herky-jerky, shaky-cam viewing experience. After a while, I was just 'ovvvvvver it'. Unfortunately, the movie disappoints in the end.
Now, I won't say that there aren't some good aspects here & there. The creaky, whispery-ness of the sound work enhances the cramped, confined subterranean atmosphere. I like that our protagonist is a fearless, resourceful, adventurous, Lara Croft-type. I enjoyed some of the creepy stuff. There is ample blood & gore for horror film lovers (one character bashes another's head against a rock 'til part of the head is missing; another character gets a gaping wound on the neck, etc.). But this movie is also chock-full of exasperating horror movie cliches. i.e., the fate of the African-American character {like, really!?}. As the credit rolled, I realized that despite the claustrophobic incident(s) & tense spurts, too many lackluster/weak/familiar moments overwhelmed my movie-going experience. Boo.
From there, Scarlett, George, & co. descend into the twisted underground passages looking for said stone; rumored to possess the all-important elixir of life, along with the supernatural ability to turn base metals into gold. Referencing Dante's entrance into Hell, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here" is the inscription uncovered by these ragtag tomb raiders as they explore the spooky catacombs. Treasure, elixirs, gold -- that's all great. But so, too, are there the bones of 6,000,000 dead people in creepy mass graves ... and mayyyyybe they don't want to be disturbed. Along the way, they stumble upon demonic imagery, along with a bizarre being known as 'The Mole' (Cosme Castro), who informs them that "The only way out ... is down". Claustrophobic mayhem ensues.
Filmmaker John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine) & his co-writer/brother Drew, have produced a collection of great ideas for this movie. Unfortunately, they've also chosen the COMPLETELY played out "found footage horror movie" visual approach, which is utilized for somewhat-effective jump-cut shocks/thrills ... but also makes for a redundant, herky-jerky, shaky-cam viewing experience. After a while, I was just 'ovvvvvver it'. Unfortunately, the movie disappoints in the end.
Now, I won't say that there aren't some good aspects here & there. The creaky, whispery-ness of the sound work enhances the cramped, confined subterranean atmosphere. I like that our protagonist is a fearless, resourceful, adventurous, Lara Croft-type. I enjoyed some of the creepy stuff. There is ample blood & gore for horror film lovers (one character bashes another's head against a rock 'til part of the head is missing; another character gets a gaping wound on the neck, etc.). But this movie is also chock-full of exasperating horror movie cliches. i.e., the fate of the African-American character {like, really!?}. As the credit rolled, I realized that despite the claustrophobic incident(s) & tense spurts, too many lackluster/weak/familiar moments overwhelmed my movie-going experience. Boo.