Mockingbird is a film that promises much, pretty much delivers, but could have been better. When four people receive video cameras, along with instructions to keep filming, they find themselves plunged into a night of terror that could see them perish if they fail to follow the clues. Filmed completely through the video cameras furnished by the bad guys, Mockingbird is a found-footage film with a twist. I enjoyed it for the most part, as the acting is terrific and there are some genuine shocks and prolonged, tense scenes, but by the, frankly dull, climax, I was left feeling that this was a wasted opportunity. The four victims, split into three storylines (one couple, a single young woman and a nerdish slob) seem unable (or unwilling) to deviate from the tasks set by the unseen (till the end) perpetrators and the cameras they are given have amazing batteries, super-long tapes (its set in 1995) and are seemingly indestructible. They blindly follow the instructions until the daft and predictable ending in a balloon-filled house. And I mean balloon-filled! I suppose it could be argued that they fear for their loved ones, as it is suggested they are in danger and are being watched all the time, but even so, Id have at least tried to phone the police or at least smash the camera to smithereens. Despite the many problems with this film, I still enjoyed it and it kept me gripped, but the ending is hugely disappointing and a little confusing, to be honest. So, full marks for style, but points deducted for execution (ahem).
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:58:42 +0000