DVD review

Episode 50

Hmm, it seems that I’m pretty psychic myself. The moment I read the premise for Episode 50, I instinctively knew that there was a big case of ‘ghost hunters getting more than they bargained for’ heading my way. And, sadly, I was not mistaken.

Resurrected

After Kevin Deakin returns home from combat after being presumed dead, his loved ones are overjoyed to see him. But as rumours of desertion abound, how long can his warm welcome last? Paul Greengass at his pre-Bourne best in a film that attempts to get to grips with the psychology of a man broken by war.

Sanctum

Centring on an underwater cave exploration gone wrong, Sanctum mixes real-life events of writer Andrew Wight with the words “EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY JAMES CAMERON”. It’s not quite The Descent, it’s not quite The Abyss, it’s not quite worth the money you’d pay for it.

Ajami

“A city in conflict” reads the tag line, but that doesn’t even begin to cover the violent nature of Jaffa’s Ajami neighbour hood. Ajami attempts to capture the lives of various families caught up in this lethal religious boiling pot.

Travellers

Producer: “Ok, guys, I’ve had the greatest idea for our new film. So I was watching Fight Club, right, and then I saw Big Fat Gypsy Weddings with the missus, and then I saw Mega Shark versus Giant Octopus. And what did I come up with? Only City boys versus gypos in a countryside war. GET IN.”

Locked Down

Heavy Metal, muscles, blood, and Vinnie Jones. Oh, and tits. Lots of tits. All in slow motion.

Alien Vs Ninja

It does exactly what it says on the box. Aliens. And Ninjas. Oh, and they don’t get on. What did you expect?

The Hunter

Director Rafi Pitts chose himself as lead in a very biased bit of casting for The Hunter. Too bad it didn’t pay off, as his taciturn presence makes the potentially tense cat and mouse narrative drag.

In Their Sleep

Things start to get all twisty-turny for the mourning Sarah when she happens across a young man running for his life. Tuck yourself in for this French Horror/Thriller from the sibling directors Caroline and Éric du Potet. Who said that subtitles ruin a good bit of tension? Well, buy them a drink from me, because they were right. But don’t worry, hardly anyone says anything.

Touching Wild Horses

A gentle family film depicting the relationship between a young boy and the aunt he is sent to live with, set on the beautiful Sable Island. The film deals with family relationships, the destructive power of nature and redemption through love. Not as gushing as it sounds, this is a touching story beautifully shot.