Reviewed by Kate Rodger
New
Zealand director Jonathan King delivers this cinematic re-telling of
the iconic Maurice Gee children’s book Under the
Mountain, the tale of creepy volcano-dwelling alien slugs
and the red-head twins anointed to save us all from them.
Sam
Neill (Jurassic Park/The
Piano) and Oliver Driver (Black Sheep)
play the good guy and the bad alien, both to excellent effect, and
newcomers Sophie and Tom acquit themselves well.
It’s
the rushed pace of the narrative which robs the film of cohesion and
impact, especially in the latter stages.
Two and a half stars.
Under the Mountain
:: Director: Jonathan King
:: Starring: Sam Neill, Oliver Driver, Sophie McBride and Tom Cameron
:: Running Time: 90 mins
:: Rating: M - Supernatural Themes
:: Release Date: December 10, 2009
::
Trailer: Click
here
