Boneyard (Blu-ray)

One of the joys (as I often say) of reviewing for this site is coming across films that you might’ve missed otherwise. This is even more true in this era since a lot of films bypass theaters, and it seems even the theatrical films have very limited marketing these days. Boneyard isn’t some hidden gem, but it’s certainly entertaining and perfectly watchable. More kudos to it for being better then these sorts of films usually are. Mel Gibson is here as well as 50 Cent, but it’s a very involving little thriller if you give it a chance.

The film takes us back to 2009, where several bones are discovered of females. Mel Gibson plays FBI Agent Petrovick who looks as if he’s seen a thing or two. He certainly has the grittiness that cop with several years of experience has had. Brian Van Holt plays the police Detective Ortega, who, along with Young (Nora Zehetner) work with Petrovick to help solve the case. 50 Cent plays the police chief to help find the killer. It’s often said that some locations can act as a character in and of itself. That is true here as the New Mexico setting really gives a feel for this arid environment. I had never heard of the actual story before that the film is based on, but after seeing the film, it makes me want to investigate it.

Boneyard won’t win any awards, and it’s not essential viewing by any means, but it also held my interest and kept me with it. There are some sluggish moments here and there, but mostly this moves along nicely and has an interesting enough hook to keep us invested. The performances do help elevate the material here. 50 Cent is basically doing his same ol’ thing, but the others, Gibson especially, seem more invested.

The DTS HD track is fine as well. Vocals are clear but can feel a bit limited here and there. It’s the heavier action moments that will want you having the remote nearby as it can get quite loud. Still, I found the track, like the transfer, presented the film well.