First Snow
(Thriller/DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C+
Guy
Pierce is one of the best actors around and is constantly interested in trying
something different and new. As a
result, he has found himself in a series of independent productions (despite
his star presence with its big commercial potential) that always have some
potential, merit and a good performance by him.
Mark Fergus’ First Snow
(2006) is such a project where his character finds himself stuck in a desert
town getting his car repaired.
It gets
worse when a psychic (J.K. Simmons from Oz
and Spider-Man films) tells him he
only has a few days to live, followed by an old unfriendly friend out of
prison, looking for and searching for him.
Fergus and Mark Ostby co-wrote the screenplay which has some good
moments and character development, but the payoff at the end has its problems
and more could have been accomplished in its 102 minutes if they had not tried
such a laidback approach. Acting is good
all around and Fergus can direct, but it is interesting enough to give it a
look just for what does work.
The
anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image may have weak detail and Video Black,
but it is still better than the lame pan and scan alternative. Director of Photography Eric Edwards does
deliver a nice shoot with good compositions and other interesting choices, to
the benefit of the film. The Dolby
Digital 5.1 mix is better with good ambience when the surrounds are not active,
which is a mixed bag in itself, while Cliff Martinez delivers a good
score. The only extras are previews for
other Sony DVDs.
- Nicholas Sheffo
