Owen (Vincent Gallo) is an American Priest who travels to Moscow after his archeologist friend seemingly disappears while working there. Once in Moscow, Owen embarks on a frightening mission underneath the city through the haunted catacombs and caverns. This journey ends takes Owen to the gates of Hell itself and results in his meeting up with Andrey (Val Kilmer).

The acting on Moscow Zero was a bit of a letdown. Vincent Gallo as the American Pries Owen just didn’t feel right. He came across as rather creepy and seemed more concerned in hooking up with Russian guide than understand the religious implications of what was occurring around him. Val Kilmer’s performance was good but was little more than a cameo really, as he is not in the movie for very long at all. The rest of the cast was rounded out with Russian actors and actresses. They did a decent job but spoke the English dialogue rapidly and with an accent. I found the English subtitles very helpful to follow the dialogue although there was actually a conversation or two that the actors were speaking so fast that one could not keep up with the subtitles in time.

The film had a bit of a claustrophobic feel to it as it mostly occurred in the catacombs under the Russian Capital city. The special effects were minimal and the lighting was low, especially as flashlights begin to fade away as batteries wear out. The tunnel effects complete with scripture enscribed on the wall did look quite good although the novelty of the setting wore off as the movie plodded on and on in the caves.

This release of Moscow Zero is very bare bones. With the only features included being an extensive collection of trailers of upcoming Sony DVD releases and a few language tracks and subtitles options, there is no bonus materials at all to speak of really. I was a little disappointed by this as given that this is a foreign horror movie with some well known actors, a making of featurette focusing on the set and behind the scenes stuff could have been quite interesting.

Moscow Zero felt a bit slow paced for me. The cover really builds the movie as a religious thriller, with hints that Kilmer is playing the Devil and makes a pact with Gallo as Owen. In reality there is not pact and the tunnels are haunted more than they are crawling with demons. I didn’t regret seeing this movie but I would not recommend a cold purchase. If the movie looks intersting to you, then go ahead and rent it to check it out. If you need blood and guts in your horror however, you should go ahead and pass on Moscow Zero as it is more of a psychological horror movie.

Bonus Features:

Language Tracks: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, French Dolby Surround
Subtitles: English, French
Trailers

Moscow Zero is available as of November 4th, courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment.

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