Review of Catacombs (2007) by Edgar C — 16 May 2010

Despite having several generic horror movie elements and a lagging body, Catacombs is still a fairly good horror/thriller which packs a killer ending. The ending in fact, is rather reminiscent of Lionsgate's uber-franchise, Saw.

The film stars Shannyn Sossamon as Victoria, a depressed young woman who is invited to Paris by her charismatic older sister Carolyn (played by Pink). There she is invited to a rave in the catacombs underneath the city in which her sister is murdered by an Antichrist-style maniac, and she is soon running for her life.

Shannyn Sossamon is fairly affable in her role as Victoria, the frightened protagonist but it is pop superstar Pink who steals the show as Victoria's outgoing but condescending sibling. The film lags a lot in the middle and there are many cliches used, but this in a way, makes the ending even more unexpected.

Catacombs in not nearly as scary as it could be however, and does not measure up to other underground horror fare such as The Descent. However, this movie aims to be a bit more mainstream and trendy, and is resultedly boring at times. However, this is a film to see to the end, because that is the best part.

This movie is relatively recommended for young people who don't like their thrills too genuinely scary, and perhaps those who are fans of other Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures fare, such as the Saw Movies. Overall, not a bad waste of an hour and a half. Good but never great.