Army
Of One (2016/Anchor Bay Blu-ray w/DVD)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B/B- Extras: C Film: C
From
Director Larry Charles (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm,
Borat) comes the new film Army of One (2016) starring
Nicolas Cage in a role that isn't his best, but at least brings
something new to the table after the past few films he has been in
where he feels a bit uninspired. I think Cage was hoping that this
project would make audiences forget about box-office disasters such
as Season of the Witch and The Sorcerer's Apprentice,
then make them remember some of his more high concept indie film
efforts such as Adaptation.
Army
of One also stars Russell Brand, Rainn Wilson, Paul Scheer, and
Wendy McLendon-Covey, the film is funny and bizarre at the same time.
While the film didn't make it to a wide theatrical release, it's an
interesting comedy with some funny moments but doesn't quite live up
to Charles' previous work.
With
a higher tone of voice than usual, Cage plays Gary Faulkner - a
middle-aged mentally challenged, ex-con handyman crackpot who is
despised by many due to his odd behavior and inability to keep his
mouth shut. One day, God (Brand) speaks to him and tells him that he
has to kill Osama Bin Laden. With many failed attempts and insane
plan after insane plane, Gary falls in love, steals a boat, uses a
samurai sword, and embarks on the journey of his life that may or may
not prove to be a huge mistake.
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1,
the film looks fantastic on Blu-ray disc with warm tones throughout
and beautiful, well balanced colors that leave little to complain
about. The transfer is also paired with a lossless DTS-HD MA (Master
Audio) 5.1 track that sounds great as well but not quite as good as
7.1. Also included is a DVD version of the film in standard
definition with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and a
lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 track that looks and sounds fine for the
format, but is limited. Also included is a digital copy.
The
only extra is The Making of Army Of One.
If
nothing else, this movie proves that Cage is ready to step back into
the bigger budgeted realm where he used to call home. He is an actor
with range and does a fine job here paired with the directing talent
of Larry Charles.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
