Neverwas
(2005)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: D Film: C+
Writer/director
Joshua Michael Stein’s Neverwas (2005)
is a strange attempt at a feel good film, maybe for adults in particular, where
a man discovers his fantasy world as a child actually exists after all. Unfortunately, I never bought it and the
casting of Aaron Eckhart destroys any credibility that could have been built
because he is very, very badly miscast.
That Ian
McKellan becomes his guide and link to this is far too obvious and making the
relationship of the two psychiatrist (Eckhart)/patient (McKellan) is contrived
beyond belief. I can see why this took a
couple of years to hit DVD and not just because the Weinstein’s left Miramax. Even with a cast that includes William Hurt,
Nick Nolte, Brittany Murphy, Jessica Lange and Alan Cumming cannot save this
mess. At least their acting was good.
The
anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is soft, has color issues (the
braun/sepia stylizing does not work) and some depth problems. Michael Grandy’s cinematography is not very
memorable and that same goes for Philip Glass’ poor score in the unambitious
Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. The mix has
limited surrounds and is very dialogue-based.
There are no extras, unless previews count.
- Nicholas Sheffo
