A group of gal-pals go spelunking in Appalachia, and don't have a particularly good time.

Rating: 7/10 (7 August 2006)

"The Descent" is an excellent horror movie with several scenes of real horror, lots of juicy/squishy sound effects accompanied by gobs of ruby-red blood, and a psychological element that gives it -- no pun intended -- unexpected depth. It's a decently written, solidly acted, fast-paced effort that has it's excesses (a few cheap scares and a virtual lake of blood that really aren't needed -- it's scary and gory enough already, thanks), but it's hard to hold it's weaknesses against it, given how well it delivers the scares. Appalachia hasn't looked this unappealing as a vacation destination since "Deliverance." By the end of the film, you're dying for something as wholesome and sweet as a 8-toed, banjo-picking mutant -- but alas, this little movie has something far more sinister in store for you. If you're not claustrophobic when you see "The Descent," you will be when it's over.