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(True story of quest to climb mountain)

“Everest,” the true story of the tragic 1996 expedition on Mount Everest, started out at IMAX and has now moved to the Showcase Cinemas, where it is being show in 3D and 2D. The 3D does enhance the spectacular views of the mountain, but it can also be enjoyed without it.

It is a tough examination of man’s (and woman’s) obsession with climbing Everest, asking the question “why?” and coming up with different reasons.

We also get an inside look at the people who run the costly ($65,000) companies, competing for the mountain experience, to the point where there are so many participants that their assent is in danger.

We experience the joy of reaching the top, and the agony in getting there. When two companies realize the problem they join forces.

The participants have different abilities, with some needing help at the expense and danger of others. The problem turns to a life or death situation as they begin to make their way down the mountain and encounter blizzard-like conditions.

Some live, some die and some are scarred for life. What makes the movie so incredibly tough to watch is that these were real human beings who lost their lives. They all have their reasons for pushing themselves to the limit. We asked ourselves why would anybody take the chance.

The movie does become a bit jumbled during the descent. You have to remember who’s who, and even though they are wearing different colored suits we lost track.

Rated PG-13, with scenes that are difficult to watch.