As Above, So Below (2014) Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Adventurers explore the catacombs under Paris in pursuit of the philosopher's stone.

Review: Well, it's a new year and that means only one thing: more disappointment! Once more, this was a film I was really looking forward to seeing, and it's not at all as I had imagined. Look at the trailer for this movie--it looks truly frightening with all manner of potential! In actuality, the story is a cross between "National Treasure" and "The Descent" mixed with a few other cliches. These plot elements do combine interestingly, and the film is entertaining enough, but I wanted a full blown horror film especially with the notion of finding a gateway to hell within the catacombs. Eh, maybe my expectations were set too high.

The best aspect going for this film was a successful sense of claustrophobia; the sets felt dark, damp, confined, and suffocatingly tight. There was more than one instance where you could almost feel your own panic building. The catacombs themselves, and the endless tunnel complex, is a fantastic setting for a film and one that is explored far too little. The scares that we do see, which are almost exclusively featured in the trailer, are intense and offered up some cool scenarios. I wish they gave us more of those demons, or whatever, that were roaming around the tunnels however. Likewise, the ghostly visions that haunt the characters were cliched, but the subtle execution allowed me to enjoy it. Finally, the acting and other technical aspects were good.

As for the failings of the film...the worst, and most unexpected aspect to me, was the whole "National Treasure" vibe. The main girl is mindlessly pursuing the philosopher's stone, because no one would believe her father. There are multiple contrivances in the pursuit of the elusive stone that were hard for me to accept. Too much of the film feels like an adventure rather than horror, and it doesn't help that the first, somewhat, creepy thing doesn't occur until around the 35+ minute mark. More so, the plot elements don't mesh properly with the whole philosopher's tone, Paris catacombs, and a gateway to hell. Speaking of which, I had hoped the moment they transitioned into hell, or wherever, would have been a significant change but it's not. Plus, what's with the vague cult and that one stupid chick from the club that follows them? I felt like the horror elements were tacked on at the last second as a better way to sell the film's ideas. It tricked me that's for sure.

Overall, this film is not what it appears. If you were hoping this would be a nightmarish ride to hell (literally), while hapless victims explored the cool catacombs of Paris, then you would be wrong. If you can appreciate the idea of a lighthearted adventure film spiraling into chaotic horror midway through, then you should thoroughly enjoy this movie. I realize it sounds like I'm bashing this film to a degree, but that is simply my disappointment speaking. This was a decent film that had many awesome moments and fantastic atmosphere. It's worth a view, without a doubt, but the further you stay away from that misleading trailer the better.

Notable Moment: When they hear the phone ringing in the tunnels. That was a cool idea, but they didn't work the material enough for it be as scary as it should have been.

Final Rating: 6/10