| Vertical Limit |
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| Rating: Good Distributor: Columbia Pictures MPAA Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 8th, 2000 (wide) Running Length: 2 hours, 5 minutes Genre: Thriller, Mountain Climbing, Action/Adventure Director: Martin Campbell Cast: Chris O'Donnell, Robin Tunney, Bill Paxton, Scott Glenn, Izabella Scorupco, Nicholas Lea, and Alexander Siddig. |
| picture above from www.verticallimit.com |
| Plot: A father, his grown daughter (Robin Tunney), and his grown son (Chris O'Donell) are involved in the sport of mountain climbing. When climbing together they are put into a horrible situation in which the father dies. Afterwards the son retires from climbing, although he still participates mildly in the subculture. He travels to K2 to watch his sister climb it. However, when her group suffers a devastating accident because of a storm the brother puts together a rescue team. The team of 6 brings explosive materials to take them out of the hole in the mountain that has enclosed them. |
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| Critique: Vertical Limit is a pleasantly surprising, entertaining, visually attractive adventure. 'Limit' has satisfying twists and turns, and the backdrop is naturally beautiful, with aids the story immeasurably. The script is a mixed bag, but for the most part it is solid. There are certainly moments of stupidity, but if you can drop your elitist shield you will find some intelligent, warm moments. The interactions between the characters are believable, even if the acting had its share of rough spots. I have my problems with Chris O'Donnell's acting in general, but he was very tolerable in this film. He made a lot of mistakes, but his role wasn't a demanding one. Robin Tunney is fine as his sister, and Scott Glenn does a fine job as the wild, seasoned veteran. Bill Paxton gives the best performance as a wealthy coward. Paxton has carved an interesting niche for playing weak, cowardly characters in adventures or thrillers. The score is relatively inspiring, and the mood is clean, crisp, and often somewhat warm. In a genre film that can easily lead to second rate film making and cliches, this one had much less than your average attempt. It isn't always genuine, but when it slips in dialogue it makes up with in fantastic visuals. That's not to say good visuals can turn a film with a bad screenplay into a good one. As I said earlier, Vertical Limit's screenplay isn't that bad, and in the end is over average. Sure there are sappy moments, but there are also some genuine ones. Thus, the film trips some, but it always gets back up. Vertical Limit ensures a quality film experience, where one can kick back, relax, and have a good time. It consistently satisfies with quality thrills and action. 'Limit' isn't as ambitious as another unusual natural element vs man film, The Perfect Storm, but winds up being almost as satisfying, and equally enjoyable. I recommend Vertical Limit. review by supernothingman |