Reviews by Roger Thomas and design by Jason O. Boyd, The Stanly News & Press. Click on the image to see the full-sized page.
Cinema Corner page: Dec. 11, 2014
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Tag Archives: as above
DVD review: ‘As Above’ below expectations
Written by Roger Thomas
I have seen two horror movies I liked this year thus far.
One of those is “The Purge: Anarchy.” This film is a sequel with more action, violence and a much bigger setting than the first. Not necessarily does more mean better. When I consider the original, “The Purge,” I believe I liked the intimate story of one family over the story of several people thrust together in the streets of a major city on the night when all laws are abandoned.
The other horror movie, that I liked even more than the second “Purge,” is “Oculus.” Where the horror of the “Purge” movies comes from the depiction of humanity’s depravity, “Oculus” is a supernatural tale of a haunted mirror and two young adults trying to reconcile a horrid event from their childhood. As I have written before, I felt chill-bumps often during the film, and I hope there will be a sequel.
Both the “Purge 2” and “Oculus” are vastly superior to the most recent horror flick now on DVD: “As Above, So Below.” (As a side note, after seeing the film, I am not sure what the title means.)
“As Above, So Below” is a film about a group of young adults who venture into the catacombs below the streets of Paris is hopes of finding the Philosopher’s Stone. Or as “Harry Potter” fans know it, the Sorcerer’s Stone. Yes, it is that magic rock that offers eternal life. One attractive young professor believes she has uncovered clues of where the stone might be and she convinces others to follow her down into the depths below.
Perdita Weeks
The one element of the film that works is the sets of the catacombs. As for one who discovered his fear of tight places while climbing steps inside a Mayan pyramid in Mexico, the way the filmmakers create a claustrophobic atmosphere is continually successful throughout the film.
On the other hand, there is little else about this film that equals the art direction and set design. There is nothing about this group of young adults that creates any sort of affection for them. In fact, sometimes it is not even clear who is who, because they are all sort of interchangeable.
Beyond this, when the film finally begins to offer elements of the supernatural, these seemed confusing and awkward. Not once did anything in this film create the anxiety I felt during “Oculus.” No moments that created chill-bumps.
Then there is this desire to create a moral to the story. I have no objection to a horror movie ending with some moral twist, but I also do not believe it is necessary. “The Purge” films, such as they are, offer many questions about human nature and morality.
With “As Above, So Below,” it seems that suddenly the filmmakers believed if they created this reason for the supernatural events, then it would give the film gravitas. A horror movie’s purpose is simply to scare us. No sermon is required. If a screenplay is reaching for more than just jolting fears, it needs to try harder than this one.
Needless to say, “As Above, So Below” is a disappointing film. However, I will say, I liked the ending. It was clever. Not clever to make up for all that had come before, but still clever.
I will not give it away; if you have watched all that goes before, you deserve to have a moment of inspired filmmaking, even if it is a brief moment.
Coming to DVD: Dec. 2, 2014
Written by O’Boyd
Each Monday, we’ll give you an overview of the newest movies coming to DVD and Blu-Ray.
DVD releases
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes The Hero of Color City
The Hundred-Foot Journey Gunshot Straight
As Above, So Below Jingle All the Way 2
Coming to Redbox
The Hundred-Foot Journey Tammy
Also coming to Blu-Ray
Cinema Corner 