Papa:
Hemingway In Cuba (2016/Fox DVD)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: D Film: C+
Adrian
Sparks stars as Ernest Hemingway in Papa: Hemingway In Cuba
(2016), this new thriller from Fox that is nicely shot and not
without some decent performances, but ultimately feels a bit
formulaic in terms of plot. Shot on location in Cuba, the film has
gorgeous locations and interesting period-specific production design
but it doesn't quite live up to the thrills that its trailer
promises. Surprisingly not released to wide theatrically (I didn't
think it was THAT bad), the film didn't gross too much upon its
initial release and reportedly took four years to make its way to the
big screen.
Directed
by Bob Yari, the film has a great cast including Giovanni Ribisi,
Adrian Sparks, Joely Richardson, Minka Kelly, and James Remar to name
a few.
The
film takes place in 1959 and centers around a Miami Journalist
(Ribisi) who reaches out to Hemingway (Sparks) and ends up meeting
him in Havana. While at first, a great vacation full of fun and
heavy conversations, the trip soon turns to terror as The Cuban
Revolution breaks out.
Presented
in standard definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of
2.40:1 and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track, the film looks fine on
DVD but could benefit to a high definition version. Details in skin
textures and the Cuban locations don't shine like they would in high
def. A Digital Copy (comparable in quality) is also included.
The
only extra is a Trailer and Sneak Peaks at other coming attractions
from Fox, which is a shame as I would be curious to learn more about
the production.
If
you're a fan of Ernest Hemingway, then you may get more out this film
then others. For casual movie viewers, there isn't too much here
except some decent performances and a familiar plot.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
