The Ascent

A good story, but it could have been upgraded with better production value. The soundtrack is horrendous; background music is old school and doesn't fit. It's more like hallmark movie background music. Suddenly a tacky-track cuts in LOUD. The song pieces were sudden, short and really awful. The story was worth having them put more effort into sound, but oh well. My other issue was flash backs. They played with the vignetting of the flashbacks and that was weird. Overall the story held my attention and I'd recommend it as a decent film to watch on a quiet evening.

I had the pleasure of watching THE ASCENT, a few weeks ago, and I really like this film.

***This short review is on the official director's version of THE ASCENT. Not the version that has aired overseas, which I have also seen. And oh boy, like watching two different films in some parts. The additions that were made are just strange, and very poorly done. And that's being kind.

Why I like (director's version) THE ASCENT? Story! This was a good story about a woman, a strong and tough woman, who goes on a sorrow-fueled revenge quest. And this, I do not remember ever seeing done before on screen. There's always some get outta jail free card where the woman, or man, cops out or changes their mind in the end, but not here.

Emily Wilks does some pretty bad things to get what she wants, and there is a cost, and there is a price to be paid.

I thought the cast was overall very good. I found the lead bad guy very creepy, and very desperate to get what he wants, making him very dangerous. No question I found a couple of the supporting characters a little thin, but this film was all on the shoulders of Josie Davis, playing Emily Wilks, and she was fantastic. It's her journey you're taken on. And where it goes you will not be able to guess.

The actor who played the part of Thomas (William Duffy) was so great. And I totally remember him for THE WEST WING. Also, it was so great seeing Martin Kove (THE KARATE KID) playing a real good guy, and not the baddies he usually plays.

In short, I found THE ASCENT a very well written, well directed, and well acted film... If you can find the director's version, check it out!

What a difference the DIRECTOR'S CUT makes...

Attended a private screening for this film, of which, I had no idea about, called THE ASCENT. All I knew was that it was an indie-action flick, and my friend, who is in the business, dragged me to this screening... And wow was I blown away.

Really good story. Strong, solid performances, especially the lead actress, JOSIE DAVIS. And the two elements that impressed me the most - the slow-burn and the "real" twist ending.

"THE ASCENT" (director's cut) really has a great intense build up to a great twist ending, that I never anticipated. I was so impressed how the director allowed the film, and the story, evolve at a very natural, and unforced pace.

After the screening, there was a Q&A. And that's when I learned all about the "OTHER VERSION" of the film that was put out briefly by REGENT ENTERTAINMENT... Be aware, if you have seen the REGENT VERSION of "THE ASCENT" then you have not even come close to seeing the REAL VERSION, by the director Steven James Creazzo, of "THE ASCENT."

I hope someone releases that version of "THE ASCENT" someday.

I watched this movie on a Saudi channel called MBC2. It is definitely one of the worst movies I've every seen. The problem is I was trying to flip the channel but I just couldn't I don't know why. it is a bad movie but you can't quit watching it and you just want to see the end of it.

I urge the director of this movie to change his career and be chief or whatever.

Also, the actors in the movie I suggest for them to forget the idea of succeeding in Hollywood and be a waiter or something