my thoughts on.... 'The Descent' and 'The Descent: part 2'

when i first read about The Descent back before it came out, i wanted to see it.... then when i started to see the stills from the movie, i wanted to see it even more.... so when it came out on DVD, i bought it without even seeing it.... a risk....? yes. but i knew i was going to love it.... and i was not let down.... it lived up to every expectation that i had.... it combined my fear of small places and being trapped in a place you can't get out of that's pitch black.... Neil Marshall, the director, did an amazing job making you feel like you were the 7th member of the group that went into the cave.... he used every trick in the book to make this movie shine.... from the gut wrenching beginning all the way to the blood spattered ending.... he didn't let the horror fans down with the monsters, gore and blood....

the story involves Sarah who has a tragedy occur while on a thrill seeking adventure.... one year later, Sarah meets up with 5 of her friends for another thrill seeking trek into a cave.... they had intended on going to a well known cave where they would be safe.... instead, the girl who set up the trip, takes them to an unknown cave and doesn't tell them until it's too late to turn back.... they soon realize they're not alone and it's a fight for their lives to find an escape before they turn into fodder for the Crawlers....
this is a prime example of filmaking done right.... the director uses his locations to increase the tention and terror level in the film.... the creatures are frightening in every way possible.... from their movements to the sounds they make to they way that they kill.... it's a great movie for creature feature fans and gore hounds alike.... it also caters to those who want to see a movie with women in power over their fates and likes to see them rise to the occasion to kick some ass.... this movie has it all....

4 out of 5 stars easy.... without a second thought.... i recommend this movie as one of the best horror films of 2005.... but it doesn't stop their.... i soon heard they were making a sequel.... which is a dangerous game when you have such a strong opening story.... the director was no longer on board as the director, but he was still an executive producer.... so that made me feel a bit better.... but lets wait to talk about that until the next review....

if you like this.... the only other movie that's even close to being similar is 'The Cave'.... but stay away from that movie like the plague.

sequels are a dime a dozen these days.... with the direct to DVD market being saturated with unecessary sequels to movies that weren't that good to begin with.... or for an amazing film that then gets a crappy sequel in an attempt to start a franchise.... either way, it's difficult to find a good sequel.... and usually they get a theatrical release if they're worth anything.... so what about The Descent: part 2....? you ask. well, let's talk about it....

it picks up right where the first one left off.... the local police and expert cavers are searching in the wrong cave for the women that disappeared 2 days ago.... Sarah makes it to the local hospital, but has no memory of the past 2 days.... but for some reason, the sheriff decides he's going to take her back into the actual cave that they were in to lead the search party for the women.... they all go down and begin to search and soon they're introduced to the Crawlers as Sarah's memory starts to come flooding back.... it's a fight for everyone's life to make it out alive and without ruining the ending.... let's just say the ending left it wide open for a part 3....
despite the hesitation and apprehension i had about seeing this movie.... and the mixed reviews that i read.... i was pleasantly surprised.... it's a farily strong sequel and when you watch the first one right before watching this one, it makes a great night of horror film watching.... i enjoyed every moment of my revist of the original and the edge of my seat viewing of part 2.... the Crawlers are still just as creepy.... the cave still creates that feeling of claustrophobia.... the characters are a bit more of stereotypes than in the original.... but i can let it slide because of the quality of the film....

4 out of 5 stars for this one as well.... and if you've seen the first one, rent it and watch it again with this one.... or if you haven't, then watch them both together.... this is a good installment in what appears to be a possible franchise.... i just hope that if they do make a third, they don't destroy the joy that i felt with the first 2.... but i won't get my hopes up.... either way.... the first two are well worth your time.... so go out and rent them as soon as you can.... you won't regret it.... and if you do, i'd be suprised.... my only complaint is the very ending of part 2.... it's a bit of a let down.... but at the same time it peaked my interest.... so i guess it's a double edged sword....

if you like this movie.... again, there's not much more i can compare it too.... but i'll restate again to stay away from the far inferior 'The Cave' like your life depended on it.