In Theaters: Buried (2010)

Attended a preview screening of this little gem last week, starring Ryan Reynolds and directed by Rodrigo Cortes. Reynolds plays Paul Conroy, an American truck driver working on in Iraq who wakes up inside a coffin. Realizing his situation and armed with only a cell phone and lighter, Paul races against the his depleting oxygen supply to get out or get himself rescued.

So let's get this out of the way first, yes the entire film takes place in the coffin. While most directors would avoid that idea like the plague for fear of boring viewers to death, Cortes embraces and uses it to create one of the most intense films I have seen in a while. Utilizing some spectacular cinematography from Eduard Grau and very little off screen sources of lighting (from what I could tell), Cortes keeps the audience invested in this thriller all the way through to end. Of course all that would be for naught with out a great performance from Reynolds.

Buried is probably my favorite Reynolds acting gig to date (would have to watch The Nines again to be sure.) Showcasing a range of emotions from fear and anger to compassion and love, Reynolds performance elevates this role that would have crushed a less talented actor. Staying true to his usual style, he even manages to cause a few laughs from an audience that is watching him suffocate to death. Really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed him in this film and look forward to seeing more of this caliber from in the future (crossing fingers for Green Lantern.)

Needless to sat at this point but I really enjoyed the hell out of this film, even if I was a little tentative about it at first. Giving it 4 out of 5 stars in my book, well really 4 out of 5 in my internet blog but you get the idea. I highly recommend you see this film in the theater if you get the chance, as it only adds to the ambiance of it. Pretty sure it is in select theaters now but widening out to more markets come October so look for it soon.