BEYOND

This film landed on my desk today and after skimming over the synopsis I was sold. I'm drawn to films that deal with children being kidnapped and/or murdered (Mystic River, Lovely Bones etc). It's a highly emotive subject and when done well, they pack a real punch (The Changeling). And so when I read that a detective goes to unusual methods to find a missing girl I immediately thought of The Pledge starring Jack Nicholson. 'Beyond' stars Jon Voight who hasn't delivered a solid performance since Varsity Blues and he's supported by Dermott Mulroney... this was a chance for Voight to redeem himself and Mulroney is usually good. An added bonus, it takes place in a cold wintery setting (adds to the atmos) ... So I put the dvd in my player and I realised that I neglected to read further into the synopsis. The unusual measures this detective takes is to team up with a psychic. There's ouija boards, premonitions and apparitions.... stupid shit! The movie tries to be serious but it's a dumb concept. I know that police involve psychics occasionally when all leads run cold, but this guy hooks up with his mystic partner from the get go. It's filmed well enough and the locations are good but Beyond (I should 'av paid attention to the title) offers up a cold plate of offal when I was looking forward to a roast.

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