If you are interested in outdoor adventure, or if you have ever wanted to be a rock climber, this is the film to see. It is set in rugged, wilderness terrain, amid spectacular mountain peaks and spires. But, in addition to the magnificent scenery, "Cliffhanger" has something more. Most adventure films are scaled horizontally. "Cliffhanger" is scaled vertically. This up and down perspective thus conveys a genuine sense of physical danger. Director Renny Harlin keeps the camera in motion, and uses visual and special effects to provide the viewer with the perception of vertigo.
Given this rare visual achievement, we can, therefore, forgive the film for its hokey story about thugs who stage a heist using airplanes. The villains are conventional in their behavior: inept, scowling, and lacking a sense of humor. Further, the film's dialogue is weak, with such lines as: "Get out of there man"; and "Watch out". The acting is a little below average, overall. John Lithgow's performance is so not credible I have to think he is playing his role as a spoof. The background music is intrusive and manipulative. And the film's ending is so melodramatic as to be laughable.
Despite the film's many glaring flaws, I admire the way that photography is used here to pull the viewer into the character's risky living-on-the-edge experience. "Cliffhanger" is an example of a film wherein the visuals are so well done that they overshadow a dreadful script, thus rendering an enjoyable cinematic experience.
Given this rare visual achievement, we can, therefore, forgive the film for its hokey story about thugs who stage a heist using airplanes. The villains are conventional in their behavior: inept, scowling, and lacking a sense of humor. Further, the film's dialogue is weak, with such lines as: "Get out of there man"; and "Watch out". The acting is a little below average, overall. John Lithgow's performance is so not credible I have to think he is playing his role as a spoof. The background music is intrusive and manipulative. And the film's ending is so melodramatic as to be laughable.
Despite the film's many glaring flaws, I admire the way that photography is used here to pull the viewer into the character's risky living-on-the-edge experience. "Cliffhanger" is an example of a film wherein the visuals are so well done that they overshadow a dreadful script, thus rendering an enjoyable cinematic experience.