Captivity (2007) Review by BlackTequilaKiss

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Captivity (2007) Review

Written by: BlackTequilaKiss

Some horror movies take a little longer to gather any emotion. 'All the Boys Love Mandy Lane', 'The Cottage' are just two examples of movies that originally I had very little love for. It was only after retreading through the movies again I started to enjoy it for what it was and now I can add Captivity to that list.

Is it original? Hell no! Is it gory? In parts but there's something about the movie that allows it to be more than just the average torture/ slasher film. Elisha Cuthbert is a formidable young actress who so far has stuck to close to the cliched blonde routine. The only time breaking away from the role was when she starred in the ill fated House of Wax, beyond that her skill was up for question.

Has she really honed her acting any further in this movie? Yes and no. Rather divided she has some fantastic moments that are sadly marred by the moments she turns too far into over-the-top acting.

Synopsis:

Jennifer Tree, a model in New York lives a life that she wishes she could escape from. One night whilst in a nightclub she is drugged and kidnapped by an unknown assailant. Awakening in a basement, she is then put through a series of psychological and physical tortures by the unknown person. But not everything is as it seems as the disturbing truth rears its ugly head.

I am reluctant to call this a torture film since a lot of the more shocking moments were conveyed away from the screen and the imagination is key. There are however some moments that do take the viewer back, more specifically

**Spoilers ahead**

The 'death' of her dog, an healthy tooth being pulled out, drinking a milkshake made of quote unquote, 'human body parts', acid on the face... yes there are some sick, twisted moments but for movie that just clocks in at the hour and an half mark, it's relatively tame compared to other offerings in the horror genre.

The opening scenes honestly is a little dross, sadly because of the lessened impact of the beginning it can be forgiven for thinking that the movie has nowhere to go once the high stakes have been raised. It's true, it takes a while to get going, the middle lacks a little but it's worth sticking out for.

Cinematography is the usual shtick. However it does change throughout which can be seen as another saving grace. In the beginning it's light, the colours are bold and brash, the landscape of the city it's filled in gives a grim dreary and worn look despite all the bustling, bright colours. Then as the film shifts focus it takes on much more of a 'SAW-esque' quality. Grey, lifeless colours, no vibrant exterior and it suits the movie well as it notches up the tension filled scenes another gear.

I disliked the music/ score combined with the film. The edgy techno music is used throughout with not much thought given to a more classic horror score which in my opinion, mars the experience slightly. The Omen, Halloween, Jaws etc... all had sumptuous soundtracks that have gone on to become classic in their own right. If perhaps Captivity had used a score as opposed to more modern funk, it might have been better and worked for the movie a lot better.

Personally I cannot argue the gore. The practicality looks fantastic, the blood feels real and for all of that, the gore is on top form with some truly cringe-worthy scenes. If you love animals, then I'd be aware of one scene that might disgust you despite the fact it is merely a movie. You like gore? For the moments it shows it, you'll then truly love them.

Elisha Cuthbert (Jennifer Tree), the important question: can she act? Yes and no. She has some fantastic moments that stand out but equally she manages to put on the pitiful act too much. At times when she should have been thinking, finding ways out of the predicament she instead decided to do the 'let's scream, shout blue murder' routine and after a while it tires on the viewer. If she can move away from the all too ditzy role and find that spark of intelligence that does make her stand out, I think she could be a great actress.

Daniel Gillies (as Gary Dexter)-

I really like this actor. He has some true acting chops that showed through in this film. I do believe he could have been used more to see what he can do but the time he is on the screen he was, pun intended, captivating.

Before I end the review there is one thing that needs serious pointing out. If you are an horror fan and know your stuff you will see the twist a mile off. Any self respecting person cannot fail to miss it actually since they don't even try to curve around the 'twist' plot. The ending is interesting and leaves things open, dependent on which ending you see.

In the end I have heard a lot of negative responses in regards to this movie and to some extent it is justified but I don't think any chance is given for the movie which as some fantastic chilling moments. The acting is on par, not always brilliant but surpassable, the gore is awesome and it has some truly horrific moments.

Don't expect fireworks but as a horror filler when bored it does a good enough job. Go in with no expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised.

It might not be captivating but enjoyable fare for what it is.

6.5* stars out of 10.

This is a community member review and not a staff member review. We appreciate and respect the opinions of our readers and are gratefull that they took the time to contribute it.