Synopsis
Sofia Milos has been widowed for years, but still refuses to start dating again. Her daughter(Emmy Rossum) tries to set her up, but with disastrous results. Jason Isaacs is a slightly seedybut charming-in-his-own way gambler who falls for Milos when he sees her sing. His clumsypursuit appears doomed to failure, until Rossum makes him a deal: if he teaches her how to countcards, she’ll help him win Milos.
Nothing in this film can really be said to be surprising. Once…the plot elements are set up,everything falls into place exactly as you think it will. There are times, however, when that issatisfying, and this is one of those times. The characters are endearing, rough edges and all, andthe film defies you not to watch with a goofy grin on your face.
Audio
Now that’s some kinda bass. It thrums in the music from the opening chord of the credits,and threatens to shake the house down when the score shifts from orchestral to rock. Very nicestuff. The surround effects are solid, with some nice left-right and front-rear placement, thoughthere are a couple of missed opportunities (such as a quick scene in the clothing factory whereMilos works).
Video
A stunning transfer. The colours are almost literally explosive, leaping off the screen in avibrancy one doesn’t see too often. The reds of roses are the last word in crimson, the contrastsare absolute, and there is a gloriously sensuous texture to the photography, perfectly in keepingwith the romantic tone of the film. The aspect ratio is 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. There isno grain, and the edge enhancement is extremely slight (you really have to be looking).
Special Features
Two commentary tracks here, one by director Dan Ireland, Milos and Isaacs, and the otherby writers Jim and Stephen Jermanok. There is lots of the “wasn’t that great” thing happeningon the tracks, particularly the first. The second goes a bit more into the details of the production,and is, on balance, the more interesting of the two. The alternate ending has an optionalcommentary by Ireland, Milos and Isaacs, while Ireland does the honour solo on the deletedscene (which is nothing more than about 30 seconds of Rossum dancing in a nightclub). Thereare also trailers for 50 First Dates, Big Fish, Mona Lisa Smile,Radio and Sunshine State. The menu is basic.
Closing Thoughts
Jason Isaacs’ profile is rising with his Lucius Malfoy role in the Harry Potter films, andseeing him be the romantic lead is a fun change of pace. “Fun” is the operative word for this film,and it looks spectacular.
Special Features List
- Director and Cast Commentary
- Writers’ Commentary
- Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary
- Alternate Ending with Optional Commentary
- Trailers
