Found Footage military horror is a relative rarity in the subgenre. There are some, like the ZOMBIE DIARY movies, but it’s not a really heavily traveled road. What’s interesting is that, like police, many of them wear body cameras, taking away the excuse of WHY they are filming everything.
HOT DOG!
Even with the core element handled, though, can they knock out the rest of the requirements, you know, being a good movie?
A British patrol is trying to survive the last night of the Afghan War is pushed into a building complex after they come under heavy fire. As they make their way through the maze of buildings they come across a stash of bullets, supplies, and a crate full of American money. For some, the money is a one-way ticket to a dream life, but for others it’s a temptation with a dangerous price. As they wrestle with what to do, and how to survive the night, something sinister emerges that will make escape, with or without the money, a miracle.
The pace of the film is well done, as is the comaraderie of the troops. The location is fantastic once they are in the building complex. They really use the space well, and get the most out of it.
The plot is familiar, with the troops trying to steal money from a combat zone, but it works, as does the frenetic pace of the film. Some will take issue with the CG threats, but they use it sparingly, and it doesn’t really hamper what they are trying to do.
The biggest issue with the film is that once things hit the climax it’s hard to keep track of what’s happen to whom. The cameras shift quickly between everyone, which takes away from the enjoyment. As the conclusion clicks into place it feels almost obvious, but works.
As far as the mechanics of the story, and keeping to the “rules,” the film does well. There is no music, the cameras are explained, and the scenario is believable. The “found” part is dodgy, though I feel like it’s feasible that it could have been found. It’s just not explained WHY or HOW it’s found.
Overall, it’s a decent movie, with some definite creeps to be had, but it just loses you as it comes together. The ending isn’t even bad, to be honest, it’s just super confusing.
It’s definitely worth a look if you are interested in something different. It’s creepy, it’s well done, and it’s not the same-old stuff we see so often. It doesn’t all work, but it’s a well done film and deserves its fans.
3.25 out of 5
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 