The case features Drew Barrymore front and centre, but don’t be misled. This is a 1997 effort, and Barrymore’s star was still on the (re)ascension. She has a supporting role in this crime story, yet another smart-aleck tale to come in the wake of Quentin Tarantino.
Synopsis
Luke Wilson (doing his best Nicolas Cage impression) has just been released from prison. He is picked up by his friends to be driven to the church to marry Drew Barrymore, but along the way, one of them (Patrick Flannery) decide… to hold up a bank, and everything goes haywire. Soon it’s a Gen-X Dog Day Afternoon, with the gang of friends holed up in the bank, surrounded by the police, which include the local sherif (Fred Ward), who happens to be Flannery’s dad, and a completely psychotic FBI agent.
The film perches uneasily between comedy, drama, and sticky sentimentality. Virtually every stereotype is present and accounted for, and it is impossible to take anything seriously, even when we clearly should. There are some clever moments, and a couple of acceptably suspenseful scenes, but you’ve seen it all before, and done better.
Audio
The music and the sound effects have a definite rear presence, but the mix could be stronger. As well, there are numerous problems with the dialogue. At times, it is almost inaudible. At others (especially in the first ten minutes), the tone veers wildly from tinny to muzzy, and distortion creeps in as well. Things settle down for the second half of the film, but the use of the rear speakers could definitely be kicked up a few notches.
Video
The picture is presented in 1.85 anamorphic widescreen and full screen. The colours and blacks are good, and the flesh tones are fine, if a bit pale. There is some edge enhancement visible, but not to an annoying degree. The contrast in the night scenes is good, avoiding the washed-out look some transfers fall prey to.
Features
Nothing to report here. Ditto for the bare-bones menu.
Closing Thoughts
At 90 minutes, this runs just about the right length of time. Any longer and it would outstay its welcome. An acceptable time-waster nonetheless.
Special Features List
- None
