Quicksand
Posted in: Disc Reviews by David Annandale on May 30th, 2004
Synopsis
Michael Keaton is a straight-arrow banker arriving in Nice to investigate some dubiousfinancial dealings at a film studio. The production is, in fact, a total scam, a front for whiteslavery operations run by the Russian mob. Keaton pokes his nose in where it isn’t wanted,refuses a bribe, and is promptly set up as the fall guy when a crooked police chief (on the outswith the Russians) is assassinated. On the run, Keaton must prove his innocence and take downthe mob. Also mix…d up, unknowingly, in all this, is Michael Caine as a washed-up actionstar.
The plot is convoluted, but never so much so that we become lost. Keaton’s characterizationis interesting, and his character is hard enough to skate right up to the edge likeability. He is,perhaps, a tad too resourceful, and there are a few other suspension of disbelief issues, but allin all, this is a tight, entertaining thriller.
Audio
Both 5.1 and 2.0 mixes are present. The music has a particularly creative mix, and the splitbetween front and rear speakers punches up Anthony Marinelli’s already driving score. Thedialogue is clear and undistorted. There are some missed opportunities for the creation of anaural environment, but there are still a fair number of decent surround moments (notably echoesin one scene).
Video
Fullscreen and 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen options are here. The blacks, contrasts andcolours are all good, as are the flesh tones, barring the occasional shift towards too much pink.The picture is sharp, if a bit grainy. There are also occasional speckles.
Special Features
Michael Caine, heroine Judith Godreche and producer Jim Reeve are the subjects of briefinterviews, answering questions that we see on-screen. Other than that, you have 5 trailers. Themenu’s main screen, intro and transitions are scored.
Closing Thoughts
Just the ticket when you’re looking for an entertaining hour-and-a-half. Good fun, goodpace.
Special Features List
- Q&A Interviews
- Trailers
