DVD Corner

Border Run Blu-ray Review

Sharon Stone is woefully miscast in the interesting, but clunky “Border Run.”

The plot: While searching for her missing brother (Aaron), a reporter (Sofie) becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal organization disguised as an illegal immigrant border crossing operation.

On paper, “Border Run” (AKA “The Mule”) sounds like a timely and relevant political thriller, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t quite pan out like one would hope. Now, I’m not saying the film doesn’t have its moments because it does. The storylines about the immigrant’s journey and the nasty, dark criminal organization are especially compelling. The film certainly sets out to make you think about the complicated illegal immigration issue and it mostly succeeds in that regard. Unfortunately, it’s Sharon Stone’s character Sofie that waters down the movie. It’s understandable to have a character whose perspective changes throughout the course of her journey, but the way Sofie’s perspective about illegal immigrants changes throughout the course of the film feels entirely forced. It doesn’t help that Sharon Stone is simply out of her league here.

Not too long ago, Sharon Stone was a respected actress who worked with everyone from Martin Scorsese to Sam Raimi. Nowadays, however, Stone has been relegated to made for DVD titles and it’s not hard to see why after “Border Run.” To say Stone has hit rock bottom is an understatement. To say Stone overacts in this film is an even bigger understatement. Her performance is almost comically bad as she blinks incessantly, stutters, scowls, shrieks, appears drunk frequently, and generally refuses to act (or accept) her age.

As for the other billed star (Billy Zane), he doesn’t have much to do here other than scream. Aside from a brief major character moment near the climax, his character is generally wasted and is reduced to being chained up for a large majority of the film.

Video/Audio:

The film, which is presented in 2.35:1 1080p, is certainly well shot. The film goes for a gritty cinematography style and it really shines in hi-def (especially the desert sequences).

The mostly music and dialogue centric Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio track does the job. Nothing more really needs to be said.

No extras have been included.

Summary: Under more capable hands, “Border Run” could have been a film worth recommending. As is, it’s merely a mediocre effort with some truly abysmal acting by Sharon Stone.

April 8, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Billy Zane, Border Run Blu-ray Review, Sharon Stone