Review of Buried (2010) by Alexander M — 18 Aug 2015

Rating: Frantic.

I checked out Buried to see the performance from Ryan Reynolds, and that is exactly why you should see this film. I do also remember hearing buzz for this movie awhile due to the intense premise, an entire film set inside a coffin with one actor.

The premise and performance are jaw-dropping, from the first scene you are freaked out. This tense claustrophobia remains strong throughout the duration of the film. Reynolds brings the strongest of emotions to the forefront, and you believe this is a man trapped in a box waiting to die.

However the film is not without flaws, and I feel they do detract from the overall experience. There were moments that felt unnecessary with weird camera tricks. Also while the score is mostly strong sometimes it was overbearing, we get this is a man trapped in a coffin no need to ramp up the tension. Also the story itself is convoluted. It feels like this movie is trying to say something about the Iraq war, and they want you to know that, but you do not really get the message. This is something to said to suspenseful and subtle approach, but this was just too much of a mismatch.

Overall this film is a great showcase for Ryan Reynolds and worth a watch, but it is one of those experiences I only ever want one time as an observer.