The Borderlands [Final Prayer] *** (2013, Gordon Kennedy, Robin Hill, Aidan McArdle, Patrick Godfrey) – Movie Review

First-time writer-director Elliot Goldner’s found-footage horror movie focuses on two Catholic priests and an unbelieving techie investigating reports of paranormal activity at a remote country church in the British West Country.

Though admittedly I didn’t expect very much, it is loads better than expected, thanks to a reasonable premise, decent performances and, especially, its good, edgy sense of humour. It is actually laugh-out-loud funny, as well as quite scary, on its way to its unpleasantly serious, nail-biting climax, which is expectedly pretty daft but still unusually satisfying.

Of course the found-footage thingy is contrived, annoying and a complete waste of time, but it doesn’t distract from the movie or spoil the fun too much. Enough already with the skakycam! Even so, it keeps atmospheric and looks pretty good considering.

Gordon Kennedy, Robin Hill and Aidan McArdle may nor be movie stars but they are proper actors and do really well on the acting front as the main trio, Deacon, Gray and Mark.

The 81-year-old Patrick Godfrey turns up all too briefly as Father Calvino from the Vatican.

TV regular Kennedy was born in 1958 in Scotland and is known for Robin Hood (2006) and Red Faction: Origins (2011).

Hill is known for Kill List (2011), Sightseers (2012) and Down Terrace (2009).

McArdle was born in 1970 in Dublin and is known for The Duchess (2008), Ella Enchanted (2004) and Not Only But Always (2004).

© Derek Winnert 2014 Movie Review

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