The Borderlands:
What's it about?
British 'found footage' style horror film about three representatives of the church going to a small village parish to investigate signs of apparent divine intervention. Is it just attention-grabbing trickery, or is there something truly otherworldly happening?
Who would I recognise in it?
Gordon Kennedy, Robin Hill, Aidan McArdle.
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Found footage films are so played-out right now, and ghost stories have become rather over-saturated lately, however The Borderlands is one that's worthwhile seeing. Using mounted cameras in the two main locations, as well as head cams, the actors are freed of the shackles of hand-held documentary filmmaking that often feel woefully contrived in other films when the shit hits the fan. Furthermore, with characters that are actually believable with personalities worth paying attention to, and a genuinely chilling atmosphere, the horror works. Building up gradually over the course of the film, it's not interested in loud noises and jump scares - which is most pleasing - instead using suggestion and slight movements to get those hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention. Well worth checking out - in spite of a glut of spooky/ghosty/haunted housey and cheapo 'found footage' flicks out there, The Borderlands manages to find slivers of gold amidst the muck. Good.
Click "READ MORE" below for piracy thrills and boozed-up chums...
Captain Phillips:
What's it about?
Based on a true story. Somali pirates hijack a cargo ship off the coast of Africa and then kidnap the captain to hold him for ransom.
Who would I recognise in it?
Tom Hanks, Catherine Keener, and more.
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Director Paul Greengrass (Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum) is a master at thrilling his audience with a nerve-shredding sense of immediacy and reality that was honed during his formative filmmaking years in documentaries. Hanks gives a superb performance in the titular role, as well as Barkhad Abdi as lead pirate Muse, the pair of them affording the film it's heart and soul, as well as it's clammy-handed sense of peril. Building like a pressure cooker, Captain Phillips culminates with a stunning payoff that is as emotionally devastating as anything else. Great.
Drinking Buddies:
What's it about?
Low-fi relationship drama about two couples who would be better suited swapping partners.
Who would I recognise in it?
Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Ron Livingston, Anna Kendrick, Jason Sudeikis.
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Focusing mostly on the titular pair - co-workers Kate and Luke (Wilde and Johnson) - this is a low-key film that centres on low-key affairs. There's a strong sense of truth to the performances, which feel natural, boosted by small affectations and familiarities. The central performances are strong - especially Wilde, who is afforded a good opportunity to show off a range that more mainstream outings might fail to provide. Just like life, Drinking Buddies isn't interested in following a predestined plan. Good.
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