Snapped ropes, dislodged boulders and crumbling ledges are just some of the perils facing mountaineer Chris O'Donnell in this predictable but watchable adventure from Mask of Zorro director Martin Campbell. Now working as a photographer, O'Donnell is still haunted by memories of the harrowing climb that ended in his father's death. When an expedition to scale K2 (the world's second-highest mountain) goes badly awry, a group that includes O'Donnell's estranged sister (Robin Tunney) and reckless airline boss Bill Paxton faces imminent death. O'Donnell makes a decidedly uncharismatic hero, but some enjoyable action sequences almost make up for the clichéd characterisations.

Trapped near the summit of K2, the world's second-highest mountain, Annie Garrett radios to base camp for help. Brother Peter hears Annie's message and assembles a team to save her and her group before they succumb to K2's unforgiving elements. But, as Annie lays injured in an icy cavern, the rescuers face several terrifying events that could end the rescue attempt -- and their lives.