Geekscape Movie Reviews Sanctum

 James Cameron’s name figures prominently as part of the title for what seems like his latest film, Sanctum.  Pay attention to the small print as he’s actually one of several Executive Producers and shares credit along with 8 others.  It’s not clear just how much of a role he had in the overall finished product, but one thing is for sure, a lot of people want to see the film just because his name is attached.

Cameron’s title as an executive producer may seem a bit ambiguous.   In a broad sense, it means he’s the money behind the movie and obviously, if he didn’t believe in the story or concept he wouldn’t have attached his name or cash. 

The trailer for Sanctum brings to mind movies like Touching the Void, North Face, and 127 Hours.  Unfortunately, this film only resembles those fine films on the surface.

Master diver Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh ) is a caver/adventurer hired by financier Carl Hurley, played by Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four films) to explore and map the South Pacific’s Esa-ala Caves.  Amidst stunning visuals that were filmed in the air, above ground, under ground, and in the water (all shot in 3D), a story enfolds based on real life experiences from writer/producer and experienced caver Andrew Wight, about what happens to a group of under ground explorers when their exit is cut off while being deep underground in a labyrinth of dead-end caves.  The search for an exit and how they react under dire circumstances is the driving force behind this adventure story.

The writers would like us to think the main focus of the film is about a relationship between a father and his son, and their fight to survive, but the main character of the film is not actually an actor.  Rather, it’s the scenery and the visuals shot with the same technology developed by Cameron for his blockbuster Avatar and his underwater Titantic-esque Documentaries, Aliens of the Deep and Ghosts of the Abyss. 

So, don’t expect to be wowed by the story as it plays second fiddle to the jungle, the cave entrance, caverns, and under water scenes which all come alive in a stunning, palette of colors and dimension.   As the story unfolds via one accident/catastrophe after another, all of it is easily understood by the exceptional camera work. 

Even when the camera takes us under water, or along a zip line, you can’t help but feel the water spraying, or when heads knock together.  Remember those fun point of view films where you were pulled into the action and you’d catch yourself swaying to the camera motion?  The 3D is realistic and I would think that less sophisticated moviegoers will really like it.  Unlike most recent 3D fare, this one brings it.  Traditionalist filmers won’t be too impressed though, as there is a valid point, that it is possible to see similar work on a National Geographic episode of Life or similar right at home, on your TV.

The wondrous thing about this film is that it transports you to a world that really exists and few have ever seen.  As part of a fast paced, know it all, seen it all culture, I had to take a deep breath, step out of my world, and just appreciate what the film represents.  It’s all too easy to tear into a film and rip it piece from piece, when the story isn’t so strong, but this one has more positives than negatives.

A compelling factor, is that the story takes place in the real world albeit, alien to anything most are familiar with.  The caves and underwater locations are all shot in the real world, and are not some far fetched computer generated, re-enactment that has been drastically enhanced. 

This film evokes a lot of visual authenticity that you don’t get from many action/adventure films nowadays.  It’s important that sanctum not be compared to Avatar, as that was a CGI fantastical story and anyone trying to take what Cameron did in that, and apply it to Sanctum is going to be drastically unsatisfied.  Both films are completely different and not even in the same ball park (nor planet).

Unfortunately, the character development takes a back seat to the stunning scenery and we don’t get much background as to why Frank, the explorer, is willing to put up with the jerky Carl character, or why he even wants to finance this adventure.  Character motivation is sorely lacking throughout, but it wasn’t the end all, be all of the entire project.  The film still has enough weight to be enjoyable.

Unlike so many other films out there pretending to be based on actual events, this story is fantastic while being believable.  The overall problem is that the story seems incomplete and critical movie goers won’t go for that. 

 Everyone else, who just wants to have a good time, will like Sanctum, which by the way means sacred inner place, and usually inside of a church.  There’s some good make-you-jump scenes that get the heart pounding and the audience flaying about.

Character and story incompleteness draws to mind an earlier work by Cameron that suffered the same flaw, The Abyss.   The original version ends suddenly and I remember telling my father (I think I was in high school back then) that they must have run out of money or something, as the story just up and ends with the Alien like creatures rising to the surface. Those familiar with the original film may recall how terrible and what a let down that was.  Later, Cameron re-cut the film and added an additional 15 minutes (or so) enhancing the story and giving up a much better ending.   Again, though, Cameron did not direct Sanctum, but it did remind me of that.

Even with the errors of story, the cinematography is worthy, and though you may be able to see similar scenes at home on the Travel Channel, you certainly won’t get to see it in all it’s glory, up on the big screen or Imax for those lucky enough to have it nearby.

“Do you think God gives a rats ass about us down here?… We are just specks of dust floating by on the wind.”

The story moves along too quick trying to establish that the main adventurer Frank, is a total bad ass, his son in typical teenage fashion is rebellious, the billionaire is just a bit to gung-ho bordering on obnoxious, his girl friend isn’t much better, and all the hired help (porters) are expendable yet somehow also, good friends.  The last may seem a bit hypocritical but so is a lot of the movie with numerous mercy killings.  Yes you read that right, mercy killings and I won’t give anything else away.

A new face, Rhys Wakefield who plays frank’s son, Josh, doesn’t have much of a film resume in the US, but based on his performance here, and Hollywood’s infatuation with Australian accents, we will be seeing more of him.   He’s widely known for a show called Home and Away that takes place in Australia.

If you approach this film with an open mind, avoid comparing it to Avatar, and not look for a deep emotional connection with the characters you will like it.  The cinematography is breath taking but it definitely will not be winning any nominations for story or acting.  I know that many will be ripping this film, and even giving it some less than desirable nicknames, but I say to them, take a chill pill, and just go with it.