Scorched

Scorched follows in the tradition of Guy Ritchie films such as “Loch Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch” from the perspective of having a group of characters that don’t have too much in common except for fate brining them all together at the right (or wrong) place at the right (or wrong) time.

Scorched follows three main characters who all work at a bank and have the same idea, although thought of independently, to rob the bank – all on the same weekend. Sheila (Alicia Silverstone) has been dating …he bank manager and supporting his desire to continue through school and going so far as to pay for a tutor for him. However she has revenge in her sights when he leaves her for that same tutor. Woods (Woody Harrelson – go figure) is a hard working employee who believes that all of his dedication has finally paid off when he is called into the manager’s office with the promise of a promotion. He does get it – more responsibility a better title and a massive raise of…55 cents and hour. Stuart Stein is another hard worker who is encouraged to carry through on his little thought out plan to rob the bank by a friend.

There are some great supporting characters including John Cleese who plays Charles Merchant – a millionaire who litters the airwaves after midnight with get rich quick schemes – he keeps his fortune at the bank. Merchant has his enemies in the town including Shmally, a friend of Stuart’s who was suckered in by Merchant to the tune of hundreds of dollars. Shmally’s plan is to get back at Merchant by egging his house.

The story flows well enough to make each main character interesting and the intertwined plots come together at the end to provide a satisfactory, if lack luster, climax.

Video

Scorched is produced as a single sided, dual layer disc that provides both anamorphic widescreen and fullscreen versions. The picture is grainy at times and the colors are flat. Skin tones are drab and the black level seems light. Detail is lost in the darker scenes. This looks more like a transfer from a television show than a motion picture.

Audio

Where the video disappoints, the audio makes up for it. The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is well done with good use of the surround speakers. There is surprisingly a lot of ambient sounds coming from the surround speakers and the bass rumbles when the shotguns are going off. The dialogue is quite clear emitting from the centre channel and the soundtrack comes through very well on the main right and left speakers. There is a wide dynamic range and excellent sound throughout – well done for a comedy.

Special Features

The only extra is a letterboxed, non-anamorphic theatrical trailer (2:18). Scorched has a set of static 16×9-enhanced menus, and everything except the twenty-four chapter stops can be accessed directly from the main menu.

Final Thoughts

While not funny through out, there are enough one-liners and “Three’s Company”esque situations to warrant a rental. But Guy Ritchie this is not.

Special Features List

• Theatrical Trailer

Screenshots