An enjoyable B-movie yarn masquerading as an A-list blockbuster, this is an adrenaline-pumping thriller that doesn't care about making the most of some contrived, occasionally unbelievable events. Despite the lack of realism in the many action scenes, the movie strives for an air of authenticity and achieves it in spades with some wonderful location photography in New Zealand. In short, this is a film that needs to be seen at a decent quality to appreciate the full beauty of the snowy landscapes and bleak mountain peaks. The script is fairly routine and there's definitely a flaw in the central premise of a six-strong rescue team setting out to rescue only three possible survivors, but it still makes for good entertainment which can only be a plus. Also, with an A-list budget, the action scenes are guaranteed to be well-executed and genuinely exciting. Throw in a few fantastic special effects (gotta love that avalanche) and you have a film which doesn't mind offering plenty of brainless fun and enjoyment.
The clichéd characters are also played by better actors than usual. Acting honours go to Scott Glenn, excellent as the toeless veteran climber forced to return to the peak one final time. Chris O'Donnell just about manages to hold onto the leading role but still feels somewhat hollow; meanwhile Robin Tunney is fairly good as the damsel in distress. Bill Paxton has an interesting role as a Branson-esque multi-millionaire along for the climb and the film cleverly develops his less-than-impressive character with a few twists here and there. Watch out for the satisfying conclusion to his part. Elsewhere, Izabella Scorupco is nicely feisty as a female rescuer, Alexandar Siddig makes for a good sherpa and Nicholas Lea gets a nasty injury.
If you want to see a film where guys do impossible jumps, survive freezing temperatures, and half of the mountainside blows up with lots and lots of explosions you have a choice between this and CLIFFHANGER. Stallone's film is cheesier, more violent and more over-the-top but VERTICAL LIMIT isn't without its fair share of shocks, surprises, and cliffhanging situations. Both are equally entertaining in this reviewer's book.
The clichéd characters are also played by better actors than usual. Acting honours go to Scott Glenn, excellent as the toeless veteran climber forced to return to the peak one final time. Chris O'Donnell just about manages to hold onto the leading role but still feels somewhat hollow; meanwhile Robin Tunney is fairly good as the damsel in distress. Bill Paxton has an interesting role as a Branson-esque multi-millionaire along for the climb and the film cleverly develops his less-than-impressive character with a few twists here and there. Watch out for the satisfying conclusion to his part. Elsewhere, Izabella Scorupco is nicely feisty as a female rescuer, Alexandar Siddig makes for a good sherpa and Nicholas Lea gets a nasty injury.
If you want to see a film where guys do impossible jumps, survive freezing temperatures, and half of the mountainside blows up with lots and lots of explosions you have a choice between this and CLIFFHANGER. Stallone's film is cheesier, more violent and more over-the-top but VERTICAL LIMIT isn't without its fair share of shocks, surprises, and cliffhanging situations. Both are equally entertaining in this reviewer's book.