The
Duel (2016/Lionsgate Blu-ray)
Picture:
B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C Film: C
The
Kieran Darcy-Smith 2016 western The Duel stars Liam Hemsworth
(The Hunger Games), Alice Braga (Predators), and Woody
Harrelson in a villainous role. While the film is strong from a
production standpoint (and has a wonderful score), it tends to fall
under the typical 'revenge' plot as a Texas Ranger (Hemsworth) is
drawn a town to investigate a string of murders where the man who
just so happened to kill his father (Harrelson) is running the town
and calling the shots. Trying to find proof and protect those close
to him, the Ranger ends up biting off a bit more than he can chew.
As
both actors (Hemsworth and Harrelson) play interestingly well off one
another, the film moves at a snails pace and has some character
motivation that seems to be misguided and out of place. There's
nothing particularly original about the film that warrants a second
viewing, like so many film in the long, tired genre of late.
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and
a lossless English 5.1 DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) track, the film looks
and sounds fantastic on Blu-ray disc and continues Lionsgate's strong
presentation standards. Also included is a digital copy of the film.
Special
Features include a feature length audio commentary track with
Director Kieran Darcy-Smith and Production Designer Tony Corbett and
Previews for other current Lionsgate releases.
While
it's always nice to see a western, there isn't anything particularly
grand about this one.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
