Review of Sanctum (2011) by Tyler F — 13 Jun 2011

You don't need monsters to experience horror. Just dive into an underwater cave, because that shit is crazy. Darwin would not be pleased.

It is pretty clear that executive producer James Cameron loves gadgets and water when you watch this puppy. Actually, that has been evident for years, but anyway. There are all sorts of neat diving gizmos everywhere, and some of the underwater shots are pretty cool. I don't care who actually directed this, it's clearly Cameron's baby. I kept expecting Michael Biehn to pop up from some cave any second.

If the cave in question is a real one (all the stats of it particularly), nature is pretty badass once in a while. Although you would have to be pretty insane to look at it and say "Hey, I think I'm going to explore that bastard! In the darkness and underwater, should be awesome!" Still, it almost makes me want to go on adventures and shit. But not the lethal kind. Maybe climb a small hill or something.

There are a few chilling scenes in the movie that really drive home the dangers of such a place. I also got a kick out of how little the characters could communicate at times. No talking underwater you see. Unless you are Namor (make that movie already!). The message still came across easily in those situations, and it was neat.

My only gripe is that this film should have been 20 minutes shorter, as it loses some of its punch towards the end. You can only watch people diving between rocks a certain time before it gets old. The acting is also not always stellar, but they all do an adequate job. Josh's dad is the strongest character and he is one pragmatic fucker. Things like other people dying won't slow him down when he is trying to survive. Must be a fun guy to have around in a party.

Sanctum has some intense moments and it is quite an effective little horror movie. Especially if you happen to be claustrophobic. Or can't swim. Then this is a home run. Even if you just like wet rock formations you could do worse than this flick.