Review of Hard Rain

Introduction

I`ve always disliked Christian Slater, its nothing personal I just can`t stand all his acting roles to date. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves started it, and no performance I saw since then really did anything to help. So when I sat down to watch what appeared to be an action thriller set entirely in water, having a good time was furthest from my mind. Oh how wrong I was...

Video

This must be a very hard source to encode for DVD, there is insane amounts of rain throughout the entire film and everything is very dark since even the early daylight scenes are under heavy cloud. Despite this, the picture quality is good although not the best I`ve ever seen, still good none the less.

Expect plenty of lense flares, some great water effects and brilliant water based set pieces. The cast and crew are probably looking at Titanic and thinking how lucky Cameron`s team were. At least they only spent the last third of the movie soaking wet, this on is pretty damp from the word go.

Audio

For the most part this is a 3.1 film, with the rears rarely used. They do kick in occasionally however to remind you that they are there, could have been better utilised though. The music is great, although not memorably so it does fit the on screen action excellently and help keep the tension mounting.

Sound effects are mostly rain, gushing water, more rain, gun shots, a bit more rain and the odd smashing of glass. Electricity features strongly in a few parts too, plus there is even more rain thrown in for good measure. Not a classic soundtrack, not even a demo worthy soundtrack, but a good accompanyment to the film which never drowns out the visuals.

Features

Er, none at all. Well I guess having the pan`n`scan version is nice, but then is that really much of a feature? The interactive menus might amuse for a few minutes, the scene selection is particularly above average but overall this is a bare bones title with not so much as a trailer on it.

Conclusion

Morgan Freeman is somewhat wasted, his character is not very deep nor interesting no matter what way you look at it. Christian Slater is the real star here despite only achieving second billing, this role has single handly destroyed my prejudiced opinion of his onscreen status. Minnie Driver puts on a reasonable fake American accent and makes for many of the more amusing scenes. But its Randy Quaid who steals the show for me, in probably his best action performance since Independance Day.

Running at just over an hour and a half, this is quite short for a modern action movie but the length is perfect. There is plenty of comedy thrown too without turning the outing into something camp, the thrill aspect always shines through no matter what amusing throw away one liner preceded it.

This has to be one of the best most under rated action flicks of recent years. It might not have such huge set pieces as The Rock or Con Air but then its nowhere near as shallow or unenjoyable as this pair of dire popcorn fodder. The action is well directed, continuity is good, there is actually a plot with some twists and turns to keep you interested, plus Slater is fun to watch for once.

Shame theres no extras, but if your buying for the film alone you will not be disappointed.