Jeremy Irvine and Michael Douglas (r) star in Beyond the Reach |
Survival of the Fittest
Rotten Tomatoes Plot: A high-rolling corporate shark (Michael Douglas) and his impoverished young guide (Jeremy Irvine) play the most dangerous game during a hunting trip in the Mojave Desert in this lean, mean cat-and-mouse thriller.
Douglas and Tom Brady-lookalike Irvine shine in Beyond the Reach, a cross between 127 Hours and The Ghost and the Darkness. Douglas' Madec has it comparatively easy (espresso machine, toaster oven... water) compared to the physical torture, his young co-star has to endure; but both actors do a banner job in this taut thriller. There are moments of humor early on, but Douglas' "shitstorm" begins with his prophetic, "Beyond this point, there will be monsters." Who knew he was referring to himself? It's a bit hard to swallow (pun intended) towards/especially at the end, but entertaining throughout.
Grade: B-