Anger Management (2003/Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B+     Sound: B     Extras: D     Film: D

 

 

As a way to save Adam Sandler from one of his many down box office moments of late, Columbia Pictures managed to land no less than Jack Nicholson to star opposite him in a formula “houseguest from hell” film in Peter Segal’s highly underwhelming Anger Management from 2003.  It was a hit and helped Sandler, while continuing Nicholson’s unprecedented roll at the box office, but when Nicholson is not on the screen, there is absolutely nothing to see here.

 

Sandler plays an easily-irritated businessman who is sent to receive the title treatment, with the twist being in the hands of a doctor played by Nicholson, who actually takes the unusual step of moving into the patient’s house!  Unfortunately, this high concept has been done much better in What About Bob? and to some extent in Bringing Down The House.  I never bought the two and Sandler is simply no acting or screen presence match for Nicholson, which is why this is so awkward, made even more substandard by Segal’s awful directing.  This is out on Blu-ray in time for Segal’s big screen remake of Get Smart.  I hope he’s learned to direct by now!

 

The 1080p 2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image is not great, but has its moments, if not many and though better than a DVD, just is not demonstrative of the format at its best.  Director of Photography Donald M. McAlpine, A.C.S., A.S.C., makes this look a bit better than a sitcom, but this is just not that memorable looking.  The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is even less impressive, with limited fidelity, limited use of surrounds and is joke-and-yelling-based.  Together, this is no great performer.  Extras include deleted scenes, a fair gag reel, two featurettes and audio commentary by Sandler and Segal.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo