Pajiba

Wow, I must point out something. Is this plagarism and who's responsible?

From Pajiba: "British directors have a way of classing up such fare in a way that impresses critics sick of the American flash-bang variety."

From IMDB's movie review of the same film: "he British have a way of pulling off horror films with a kind of class that impresses film critics who are ordinarily not well disposed toward the American variety."

It reminds me of my days of high school, where the goal was to read what someone else had said and formulate that into an idea that was all mine....lest I say that I changed a couple words to words that meant the same thing. I'm having flashbacks.

Great review, Phillip. And come on, John! Are you kidding? Its a universal sentiment - surely more than one person can take note of a theme without being accused of plagiarism! (Phillip's line actually expresses the thought better.)

I'm not saying there definitely was plagiarism, but i think the lines are a little to similar to immedianely brush off as "universal sentiment". Anyways, great review...if I actually liked horror movies I'd probably go check this out.

One would think that someone shouting a bad, bad word like "plagiarism" would have the sense to use the correct form of to/too...

I thought it was a good review, if vague (although I understand the reason for it). I was tempted to see it, until I remembered that I'm a big damn weenie that doesn't go to horror movies.

Indeed, accusing a reviewer of plagiarism in relation to a film released worldwide is rather asinine, since so many critics feel similarly about certain aspects of the genre; including it's directors, actors, et cetera.

I was hoping this would get a good review, I've been wanting to see a great horror movie for a long time.

I don't know how I didn't hear about this being so popular for so long in Europe. One would think that I lived in a cave! *ba dum dum* (Sorry, couldn't resist!)

Seriously though, I'm a lifer when it comes to horror films, and with that comes a certain jadedness. Thankfully, I honestly jumped a few times (and not just at music swells and fast entrances by actresses on-screen) and truly enjoyed the tensions and horrors woven onscreen.

All my favorite memories of CARRIE, ALIEN (Here Jonesie!) and APOCALYPSE NOW. Hearts are never darker than when spelunking, apparently.

The ending felt a little bogus, but friends tell me their this is a different ending from what they saw overseas. Why, Hollywood, why must you underestimate your audience? Why? WHY?!

Great review! I actually didn't want to see this movie (I'm a big wuss when it comes to scary movies) but after reading this review it sounds like it has some actual merit as a movie. I love movies that have layers and the like, horror or not. And most scary movies have the jump factor, no true horror or scariness.

To be fair to Hollywood, I read that the changing of the ending was actually in response to how it was received in Europe when the film had its run thereabouts. *Those* audiences didn't seem to care for the ending, and thus the decision to change it for its release stateside.

Let me be clear, I would ONLY assume that the brilliant literature (called reviews) would be lifted by imdb.com. That's out of sheer respect of this great website. I think some thought it was the other way around and I want to be clear where my loyalty lies. Pajiba, can I by you a drink? Unless you don't want to be friends anymore. But that would hurt us both, yes? No?

Uh-oh Phillip, I think John's gonna pull you and IMBD into his office after class and get to the bottom of this! Looks like someone's gonna fail their paper this term!

=D

Like others, I'm not a horror fan, otherwise I'd see the movie, which is garnering great reviews. But my question, which I don't seem to be able to find the answer to, is is this movie (and The Cave as well) based on the book The Descent by Jeff Long? I ask because it was a book I read against my better judgement and hated, but the plots seem really similar.

Laura,

I don't think either movie was based on Long's book. I would like to see a film or a high-quality miniseries based on his novel.

I saw a sneak preview of this a few weeks ago and I was actually really entertained. I usually don't like horror movies but this one actually got you invested in the characters. Sometimes you actually felt like you were in the cave with them because of the wonderful use of environment. I felt like the ended up showing the creatures too much after a certain point so that the mystery of the whole thing began to wear off. And yes, the American ending is awful compared to the one I've heard about from UK friends.

I'm not a horror fan, either, unless it's a good film on its on merits, so I saw this based on your recommendation. The Descent, I thought, was less a horror film, and more a will-fuck-you-up film. For a long time. Dead-on review, Phillip. Especially the part about getting hit with so much that you forget to be scared.

C.H.U.D.!!! Oh man! I don't hear people mention that movie nearly enough!
You rule, Phillip! :D

Too bad Phillip didn't mention "C.H.U.D. II: Bud the C.H.U.D."...then it would have been a REAL review!

I'm not a fan of horror films, and I don't think I'd even stop to watch this on cable, but I just feel compelled to say that it sports what may just be the worst movie poster in history. Just icch.

I found it interesting that you had to point out that there are few men in this movie. "After the first 10 minutes or so, there are no male characters (or extras at all) in the movie." It's as if you are surprised you liked a movie that doesnt have male leads. Also I cant even count how many movies I watch and read reviews of witch feature an almost exclusively male casts, but there is never pointed out or made an issue of. Just a thought....

Ang - you *really* need to relax. "It's as if you are surprised you liked a movie that doesnt have male leads"? Are you kidding? I don't think he was surprised that he liked it, I think he was surprised at the idea in general, since it's fairly uncommon. Nothing grates my nerves more than people who see sexism (or racism) at every turn. There are for more important and dangerous instances of sexism out there for you to waste your time thinking you see it in as inoffensive a statement as that.

DEEP BREATH. Whew. OK, that aside, I couldn't be more excited to see this. Nevermind the fact that the trailer is brilliant, but it's from the director of DOG SOLDIERS! Only the greatest werewolf movie in over a decade! And Philip, while I enjoyed your review, your neglecting to mention Dog Soldiers is criminal. JK... great work.

Wasn't planning on seeing it until now, since horror has become so sadistic and mean-spirited lately. I must say that the advertisement/poster with the skull made entirely of human bodies was one of the most creative movie-related graphics I have seen in a long time. It sort of looked like a modern dance opening pose.

well i saw this and i found it BAD. just plain bad. it wasn't scary it was disgusting. boys tend to like the sight of a bone peeking out of one's leg, but i seriously don't. well if you like that watch it.

Solid review of a film I loved when I saw it last year (UK). Cannot believe they have fucked with the ending though. Goddamn Americans and their happy endings!

I just saw the movie and enjoyed it a lot. Can someone point me in the directon of where to find out what the original ending was? I have a hunch but I'd like to know for sure. Thanks guys, and good review, I read it before I went to the theater to see it!

I'm not entirely sure how the American ending goes and I could be wrong about the European too as I did see this film at least a year ago I think.

However, does it make sense if I say that in the original version there is a sudden realisation that the previous scene (American final scene presumably) was all a dream, a hallucination or something...its very very not uplifting at all and an excellent bit of film.

Sarah... Way to give away the ending, you freakin' jerk.

Sara,

I didnt see it as that... maybe she wasn't as bloody....I'm not sure that that gave anythign away really MDA, however I did see it last night, very late... I'll search the net some more. Thanks though!

Can anyone tell me how to get a copy of a dvd with the original ending?

Thanks.

Having seen both endings (thank you Youtube), I have to say I prefer the American ending. It could be considered a "cheap shock", but I saw it as a pretty clear indicator of the lead's fate.

SPOILER!!!

In the American version, it's clear that the events of the film have completely traumatized Sarah and that she will probably never recover. The British version suggests that Sarah hasn't escaped from the cave, but her fantasy about her daughter and the birthday cake sustain her and probably will help her ignore the pain when the crawlers finally get their grubby paws on her...

END SPOILERS!!!

Overall I thought this was a fanstastic, nasty li'l flick...

Yeah, Sarah! Way to vaguely refer to a scene that won't be shown in America (unless it's on the DVD)! It gave the whole movie away! Including the credits! And the ending to three other movies! Damn you!

*SPOILERS* Yeah, I disagree with this idea that the American ending is intended to be uplifting or is a Hollywood sellout, or I at least don't think the difference is as grievous as some people are making it out to be. The character is screwed in the head permanently. That's what that last vision implies to me. She escapes? Big deal. Death in the cave is a more merciful fate at that point. Try living with those visions of hers and that guilt she harbors indefinitely. The transformation she undergoes toward insanity and savagery - which is more or less the most critical part of the film - is actually less interesting if she's not forced to live with it for an extended period of time. I'm not saying I don't dig the other ending and its darkness. I just think the American version is as dark and as satisfying.

^ lol, craig

I just saw this movie today. I didn't want to go. I told my girlfriend in an effort to shut her up two weeks ago that I would go and see it. She made me keep my word.

I didn't like the movie exactly. Because liking a movie, to me, is defined as my wanting to see it again. I don't ever want to see this again. But I found it terribly fascinating. I, too, was impressed that a movie like this had a female cast. You just don't see that much. These girls were kicking ass (until they were eaten, anyway) and doing sports not consistently associated with women in this country (though it should be).
And yes, the tight, claustrophobic shots were amazing. Nicely done, the whole way around. But I don't EVER want to see it again.

This has been out on DVD in Europe for quite awhile now and seriously, the original ending is key!

The original ending is available on YouTube.

I saw the movie last night and just loved it (although I agree with many critics who think the scariest moments happen before they ever meet the "Deros," as my brilliant husband called them), but afterward we just kept asking each other,

SPOILER

"How likely is it that she would exit the cave right by the place where they'd parked????"

Having just watched the original ending, we agree that it not only makes far more sense, it's also actually more upbeat, in a way. It's certainly more consistent. The real problem is that US audiences have gotten used to those stupidly abrupt "shocker" endings. Ah well. Either way, the most honest-to-god horror movie I've seen in awhile.

The original ending is available on YouTube.

I saw the movie last night and just loved it (although I agree with many critics who think the scariest moments happen before they ever meet the "Deros," as my brilliant husband called them), but afterward we just kept asking each other,

SPOILER

"How likely is it that she would exit the cave right by the place where they'd parked????"

Having just watched the original ending, we agree that it not only makes far more sense, it's also actually more upbeat, in a way. It's certainly more consistent. The real problem is that US audiences have gotten used to those stupidly abrupt "shocker" endings. Ah well. Either way, the most honest-to-god horror movie I've seen in awhile.

I LOVED this movie for all that it is, and laud the positive review. I have gotten tired of the "horror" films that have come out, as (call me crazy) I am always looking for ways to frighten myself, and 99% of the movies I have seen thus far do not accomplish that mission. Films like The Ring are decent, but they never scare ME, they just make me fear for the next thing to happen to the protagonists. Don't even mention crap like Pulse or Saw (I mean that was gory, and had the requisite "twist") which are by no means scary, but are just gory and make your stomach turn. The Descent played with my most primal fears, and even though I was in a wide open movie theater with a close friend, and there were no conceivable threats whatsoever, I had to constantly remind myself to breathe, and to not panic. I was scared for me. Truly well done.

I saw this movie recently and was honestly disappointed. Sure, there were a few 'jump out of your seat' cheap moments, but a good horror should really make you bond with the characters before they undergo some type of horrific event. The first problem that Phillip pointed out in his movie was the too-brief introduction to the main cast. The main problem, however is the following:
*SPOILER?*
By the time the girls actually get to the cave I have a very low opinion of most of them - spelunking is a dangerous activity and their casual indifference to anything like preparation and safety is pretty pathetic. Come on, let's leave the maps behind? Then there's the running around, being irresponsible in the first room that leaves me mumbling 'idiots' under my breath. But the real kicker - this is a brand new cave that nobody has explored before. What in the world was that girl thinking? That has got to be the single dumbest premise for getting into a new and exciting place - 'hey girls btw we're trapped in a cave that nobody's ever been in before because I tricked you'. At that point whatever was left of any empathy I had for that group disappeared, honestly whatever happened they put themselves in that position and I really didn't care.
Not a bad movie, just non-involving and definately not horrific.

This review isn't even on the Pajiba front page anymore, but I just saw Descent and had to comment. What Andy said at the end of the thread is so true. So many stupid mistakes. What I'd really love to see is a movie as scary as this one (because I do think it was creepy and scary) without the stupid mistakes made by the main characters. I DO think it's possible.

But yeah, anyone who takes spelunking seriously would have a freaking map. They would NOT try out an unknown cave system alone, and after the first (SPOILER!!) cave in on that tunnel, NO ONE WOULD BE YELLING ANYMORE. God, I wanted to slap them for the yelling. Yeah (SPOILER) once the creepy things showed up the yelling was pretty understandable, but I think even at that, once I figured out they hunted by sound, you can bet I'd be biting my freaking tongue and keeping my yap shut.

I also think it was too convenient (SPOILER) that she came out very near where they were parked, albeit by an exit that couldn't be seen from outside. And from IN the cave, it looked like an open hole with tons of light pouring through. From outside, she had to dig past lots of brush and stuff. So, um, there's a problem.

Anyway. All in all, pretty well done. I'm very claustrophobic, so I almost couldn't watch some of the tunnel crawling scenes. And I would have gotten rid of the creepy things altogether and had them starve to death, slowly, in the cave. But that's just me.

It was certainly worth a matinee and I can't say that about many movies anymore.

so what was the best horror film released this year???

It's January 2, 2007, and there's no way anyone's reading this thread anymore--but in case someone's watching (commenting on dead threads is kind of like being in a deep deep cave), Blockbuster copies in Canada carry the UK ending, not the US theatrical release.

So my fellow Canucky lovelies, no worries getting your hands on the orig version in this country, if you were wondering. Maybe the US copies have it too--or at least carry an "alternate" ending in the features.

Your review is spot on. Saw this last nite. Thanks the Gods for Netflix. Loved loved loved this movie. Ending sort of left me wanting more, but as a commenter mentioned -- then she'd have to live with what she experienced.

I got this on Netflix and just finished watching it. (SPOILER) I am assuming I had the UK ending as she was shocked out of her unconsciousness by the "vision" of Juno, and was then in the cave with a new "vision" of her daughter. I thought the US ending was pretty good since as a poster above mentioned this girl has CLEARLY gone insane... I wish they had explored that a bit more in the ending.

Overall I really enjoyed it, (SPOILER) although how realistic is it that Beth could've survived that wound and exposited all that?

Would it be wrong to say that I hated both endings?

*Spoilers*
I am assuming the british one is where she wakes up from her 'dream' about escaping, but the US version she escapes. Right? I just don't like either ending. The Escape seemed a little too unlikely, the wake up was too much of a 'twist'. I would have loved the Wake Up if it had been more of a slow dawning of realization without the hallucination. Make sense?