"Lost" Potential

Rating: 5/10 (18 January 2008)

After months of anticipation, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed in this film. While I felt the concept was a great idea, the story was well thought, the execution was just lacking.
First off, they went WAY overboard with the hand-held camera feel. I spent half the film having to try and not focus on the screen to keep the dizziness at bay. Perhaps had they just shown and opening shot from the camera menu that showed "Steady Cam On" or something like that, they could have filmed a bit less motion blur. This unfortunately kept me distracted through much of the film.
The performances were generally pretty decent, but there was something lacking. I never felt any anxiety, or anticipation, or fear, or sadness, or pretty much any emotion. As a person who likes to get swept up in the story, I was very much aware that I was watching a movie.
I plan on giving this another chance when it hits video, but for now I would say it was a great idea that unfortunately wasn't pulled off.