This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Better Late Then Never

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

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 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!

I recently had the opportunity of attending a screening of the new film, "The Ascent," by writer/director Steven Creazzo and producer Kerry Wallum. And I was pleasantly surprised.In some ways, the director was definitely trying to reach beyond the budget he appeared to have. Which was most likely less than 1M. In my opinion, the settings/locations were not entirely vast enough to tell the story they were telling. Such a dangerous mountain, with such a deadly history, should have been more dangerous looking than it was. I'm not sure where they shot this film, but it didn't appear to be very mountainous. Some of the terrain was really cool, and there are some cliff/climbing scenes, but not enough in my opinion. That aside, the reason this film, and story work so well is the emotional journey of the lead character, Emily Wilks.Emily, played by Josie Davis, is the center of the film. It's not an "action film" at all, but more the journey of a person who is so broken she makes choices that will forever change her life. And not in the greatest of ways. I was truly taken by Josie Davis' performance. I remember her from years ago, in "Charles in Charge," and I was really blown away by her focused and passionate performance in this film.William McNamara plays the "slightly crazy" villain, Joel. And I mean he's really a bit crazy, but in that cool, creepy way. Yeah, he creeped me out.Courtney Gains, from so many great films, was really wonderful as Andrew. And I must say, kinda under used in my opinion. For me, Courtney Gains and Josie Davis shared one of the best scenes in the film.Other featured cast members are; William Duffy, Joe Estevez, Anne Griffin, and the great ("Sweep the Leg") Martin Kove, from the original, and one and only "The Karate Kid." To summarize the story. "The Ascent" takes us on a journey of a great mislead. We think one story is happening, when really, an entire other story had been happening right in front of our eyes. On its surface, it is a story of a mountaineer who takes a group of novice climbers up a dangerous mountain. Or it's a story of a mountaineer who is forced to take a group of thieves to a buried treasure in gold. Or it's a story of how far a person will go to avenge a loved one... For me, it was all these things.I really loved this film. Good acting. Good pacing. It had a nice slow burn. And most of all, fleshed out main characters. Indeed, some of the secondary characters needed a bit more, but I was taken with Emily, Josie Davis' character, I didn't much care. And note a great, small scene, with Martin Kove and Anne Griffin.I hope this film comes out on DVD, or airs on cable, soon. I recommend "The Ascent" to anyone looking to rent/watch a good film, with a real story, and real emotions, that really entertained me.I also hope the film is given the proper technical completion, as the cut I saw still needed its score, sound, and color grading to be completed.I give "The Ascent" two thumbs up, and I look forward to the sequel.

Some mild spoilers.I caught the last half of this on TV last night, and seeing there wasn't a single review here on IMDb, thought I would scribble a few words.Well I can't believe this was actually released - the acting is poor & hammy, the dialogue stilted and the 'action' scenes completely unbelievable.With such an obvious small budget, the director has been too adventurous - far better to have concentrated on character dialogue rather than such poor 'adventure' scenes. With TV shows such as '24' and 'Dexter' managing to be fun & exciting, as well as reasonably realistic, there really doesn't seem to be a place for this type of movie any more. Cave scene - the interior is obviously fake cement 'rock' and there are no wide shots at all.2 characters fall over a cliff, and are then shown hanging by their fingertips, somehow *beneath* an overhang, on an obvious climbing-wall !1 character gets stabbed in the stomach, apparently so badly that his bandages get blood-soaked every few minutes, but he hardly experiences any pain and is able to carry on OK, albeit with a limp !Some characters are killed, and there is no emotion or tension at all in the survivors.After trekking & struggling across some quite rugged terrain, there is suddenly a path with a guide rail !1/10, with a bonus point for "so bad, it's good".