Descent

I rented this on DVD and I kind of feel bad since Dawson and Lugacy are so earnest about it in the DVD comments. It's not a bad movie exactly, but it's one of those films that desperately wants to be a deep comment on human nature while not realizing that its story is practically a genre. Plus, it is a little simplistic about the issue in a lot of ways, and the characters' behavior often strains belief. I'd say its a film that you would get something out of if you don't have a lot of film/TV/literature/life behind you (to be honest, I've seen almost exactly the same story in horror comics even). Otherwise, its point has been made before and more artfully. And that gets to the big problem, which is that it really doesn't have much of cinematic interest to it besides the point. It ends up being a fairly bland movie overall that invests everything in the idea that the basic story will be shocking and compelling, and it doesn't really pay off.

Descent is an odd little movie.not too much happens for most of it's running time.in fact,until you get to the last 20 minutes or so,the rest of the movie has no context.people just do things for no discernible reason.plus,all the character are wretches,so that also makes it harder to have much interest.it basically felt like i had walked in during the middle of a movie,with no idea what had transpired before.it is a very slow movie,and it is disturbing at times,but if you can get through it,it sort of makes sense in the end.if you're not the patient sort,then you should skip this movie.otherwise,i'd say give it a shot.i thought it was worth it in the end.for me,Descent is a 6/10

This is not the british horror movie that also goes by the name/title Descent! It also is anything but decent - in more ways than one. And it is a movie that will not be for the faint hearted or easily offended. The beginning alone might be too much for you - and it is a theme I personally do not like see explored - even in a fictional way. Although clearly this is a message and unfortunately still a truth that exists in the world, whether we like to admit it or not.

And it also ends in a place that will be hard to stomach. But as others have stated - and whether they liked the movie or its theme and more importantly its execution (no pun intended) and the morality of it in the end: there is a lot of running time that unfortunately is not doing much. And I don't mean it literally (although that is also true), but in the sense that it seems stuck. And while that is something that could work for the theme, it does not work with the tone of the movie that is all over the place.

I really like Rosario Dawson and I think no one will dismiss her as artist and an actress - but even she can't save the movie. Good intentions (if you want to call them that) be damned - it just doesn't work ... other than for the shock factor - which to be fair is one of the main goals. In that it does succeed ... but that is only a small part of it all. And could have been told in a short movie - in a way better fashion. Because there is not enough to maintain a stable pace and have this be feature length movie.

Let's hope this review will stay - the orignal one I did somehow got deleted - I am guessing by accident. Anyhow, I understand if you feel differently - you may be more leniant in respect to what I would call a movie filled with flaws and just be intrigued by the (social) message the movie tries to deliver ... as much as it did surely shock people who watched it, it did not achieve changing the root problem it adresses ... unfortunately.

I found this movie to be a slow burner in some ways - and not the good way either. It was so slow i had to fast forward to speed it up! As far as genre goes it had nothing of anything really. Suspense? Bore Thriller? Bore Drama? Bore. I found myself fast forwarding long minutes of dark clubs scenes with the usual crappy music playing and stoned out junkies drinking and soft porn dancing. The dialogue was terrible written by novice writers, that was clear and never once did i feel engaged as a viewer. And again, the music was such downer, just a turn off. Dawson is a beautiful woman with great acting chops, but there was no way she could save this mess. Is it normal for a rape/revenge movie to put you to sleep? I'll give it a 3 just for RD and that's it i can't think of anything else this movie had that would give the paying viewer any excitement at all. Bought this movie at a $2 bargin bin - i got ripped.

From word go the movies frustrating attempt at enigma drove me to almost turn it off. It was somewhat curious to begin with but with its depth constantly shaded until the explosive last moments it wasn't something to be watched with others. Although the character performances were intriguing i thought they were restricted somewhat and should have been a little more in your face. Don't get me wrong, i love plot hooks but this one had just a little too many and lacked a lot of explanation. Its one of those movies you want to see the end of, but you want it sooner rather than later. Powerful ending, I wouldn't recommend this film though IF you still insist on watching it then do watch it through till the end. Just Don't watch it with dad :)