Elevation

I kind of see this as a series. There's a unknown, enemy, unknown motivation, and a world that needs to be retaken. If it's a stand alone film, it's meh. I mean it entertains but it's derivative and lacking in true imagination. If it's a pilot or the first of a series of B movies I think it had real potential.

Regardless, it's better than expected. I definitely think it's worth a watch. The special effects are okay, acting is okay, the monster is lame but the twist at the end gives it legs, it makes you want more, and definitely want an explanation. I hope we at least get a sequel follow up that fills in the missing info.

So, I sat down to watch Elevation, a film that promises thrills, chills, and a heartwarming tale of survival in a world gone mad. The premise? A single dad (played by the ever-charismatic Anthony Mackie) teams up with a brooding neighbor (Morena Baccarin) and a scrappy young woman (Maddie Hasson) to brave a monstrous, post-apocalyptic hellscape in search of lifesaving medication for Mackie's ailing son. Sounds intense, right? Like a twisted mix of The Last of Us and your standard "let's-go-fetch-the-thing-to-save-the-kid" plot. But here's the thing: while the movie has its moments, it often feels like it's hiking up a steep hill only to find the view from the top isn't all that spectacular.

Let's start with the good. Every now and then, Elevation delivers a solid dose of tension. There's one scene in an abandoned factory where our trio faces off against the film's signature monsters that had me white-knuckling my popcorn. For a brief moment, I thought, "This is it! This is where the movie takes off!" But alas, that moment, much like a cheap rollercoaster, peaked too quickly. The premise is another point in its favor. I mean, who doesn't love a good survival story with high stakes and creepy creatures? On paper, this could've been a genre-defining film. Unfortunately, "on paper" is where the brilliance seems to have stayed.

Now, the not-so-good. If you're planning to watch this movie, pack a snack-and maybe a pillow-because the pacing is slow. Like, snail-on-a-cold-day slow. The film spends so much time building up its characters and world that it forgets to, you know, keep things moving. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for character development. But there's a fine line between deep and dull, and Elevation doesn't always find the balance.

And then there are the special effects. Oh, boy. Let's just say that some of the creature designs wouldn't look out of place in a Syfy original movie circa 2010. I'm not saying the CGI is terrible, but when your big bad monster looks like it moonlights as a Halloween store mascot, you've got a problem. Speaking of problems, the big reveal-this film's pièce de résistance-lands with a thud. After all the buildup, the explanation for the monsters (or lack thereof) feels as satisfying as getting socks for Christmas. Sure, they're practical, but where's the excitement?

But wait, there's more! For a movie that wants to tug at your heartstrings, it sure leans hard on tired tropes. Mackie's kid is sick and needs lifesaving medication, so naturally, our heroes embark on a dangerous quest to save him. Haven't we seen this plot a million times before? It's like the writers took a spin on the Wheel of Emotional Stakes and landed on "sick kid." I wanted to care more, I really did, but this well-worn trope made it hard to fully invest.

And yet, despite its flaws, Elevation isn't a total disaster. Anthony Mackie does his best to elevate the material (pun intended), bringing warmth and gravitas to his role. Morena Baccarin broods like a pro, and Maddie Hasson injects some much-needed energy into the proceedings. The trio has decent chemistry, even if the script doesn't always give them enough to work with. It's clear these actors are doing their damnedest to turn this mixed bag into something worthwhile, and for that, they deserve credit.

Ultimately, Elevation is a film that aims high but doesn't quite stick the landing. It's got moments of tension and a solid premise, but the slow pacing, underwhelming effects, and lackluster payoff hold it back. Think of it as the cinematic equivalent of climbing a hill only to realize the view isn't quite worth the hike. Still, it's not a bad way to spend a lazy weekend-just don't expect it to change your life.

Rating: 5/10. A decent watch for fans of creature features, but not a must-see by any stretch.

I watched Elevation early as part of Marcus's Mystery Movie series. And I knew nothing about it beforehand. Watching movies this way maximizes your enjoyment, which it definitely did here. Unfortunately the enjoyment offered is fairly limited.

Elevation has some cool parts mixed into a mostly boring movie. The majority is walking and talking with exposition mixed in. It's a fairly standard movie within the subgenre. I like the creature design and a few suspenseful scenes. The rest isn't bad, but it maxes out at serviceable.

From someone who thinks most streaming movies are low-quality garbage, I see Elevation as more of a good streaming movie. But theatrically released, it feels underwhelming.

In a similar subgenre, I found Nicolas Cage's Arcadian to be more entertaining.

(1 viewing, early screening Marcus Mystery Movie 11/4/2024)

C'mon, folks, you can't be a serious person and think this movie isn't trash. The problem is, it's a bit difficult to explain exactly why without using spoilers. But I'll try.

Well here's a shortcut to explaining why: Plot holes abound. People do stupid stuff that makes no sense. Stuff you know they wouldn't do (or be allowed to do) IRL.

This isn't a spoiler since it's revealed at the very start of the movie: The "creatures" don't ever go an inch above 8,000 feet of elevation. This is clearly absurd, and is never explained. Oh, and someone very nicely marked the 8,000-foot elevation line on an entire mountain range, and they did so with hyper-precision. So much precision, in fact that you can lie down and rest just beyond the marked line even if there's a creature that was just bearing down on you, because the creature will stop in its tracks. Absurd.

Splash in all the usual contrived garbage, sprinkle in a bunch of nonsensical plot absurdities, and top it off with a laughably absurd conclusion.

And nothing is ever explained. I guess they looked at the garbage script they had and rightly decided it wasn't worth explaining. Good call.

"Elevation" is a movie with a compelling premise that, unfortunately, stumbles in its execution. While there are glimmers of creativity and moments of genuine intrigue, the film ultimately falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential.

The story explores a high-concept idea that feels fresh at first but quickly becomes bogged down by uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters. The script occasionally touches on deeper themes but lacks the focus or depth to make a lasting impact. Instead, it relies on predictable plot beats and moments of unnecessary exposition that drag down its momentum.

On the positive side, the visuals are stunning. The cinematography does an excellent job of creating a sense of scale and immersion, and the production design gives the movie a polished, modern aesthetic. The soundtrack also enhances key scenes, adding emotional weight when the story struggles to provide it.

The performances, while not bad, don't elevate the material as much as they could have. The lead actor delivers a solid performance, but the supporting cast feels underutilized, leaving some relationships and dynamics feeling hollow.

Overall, "Elevation" is an admirable attempt that fails to reach its lofty ambitions. While it's not a bad movie and has some entertaining moments, it doesn't leave a lasting impression. For viewers who enjoy thought-provoking concepts, it might be worth a watch, but don't expect it to soar to great heights.