Vertical Limit debuted tonight on HD-Net Movies an all high-def movie channel owned by Mark Cuban. I don't think I've watched it since the first time I saw it back in 2000 when it was released, so I turned over just to see how it looked in high-def. I have to say, the movie looks pretty stunning in HD. However, being broadcast in 1080i doesn't do anything for the overall stupidity of the movie.
For those that haven't seen it, the film is set on K2 and follows a team going up the mountain that eventually gets into trouble thanks to a rich climber played by Bill Paxton who thinks he can buy his way to the top. Of course, he's over the top, ambitiious, and puts everyone at risk because he wants to go for the summit in a storm. When the team gets stranded in a crevasse high on the mountain, Chris O'Donnell has to come to the rescue.
The film is fille with all kinds of inaccuracies and climbing cliches. Pretty much every possible thing that can go wrong, does, and the characters are all extreme architypes. It's all rather predictable and silly for the most part, but it appeals to the mainstream I suppose, who are just looking for an action film and don't know any better. The real burning question though is how the hell did Ed Viesturs get pulled into this mess? I'm guessing he lost a bet or something.
If you're looking to get your fix through a climbing movie, pass on this dreck, even in high-def. You're far better served renting Touching The Void
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