Wonder Boys (US)
Click to read:
Undependable. Unpredictable. Unforgettable
Certificate: R
Running Time: 112 mins
Retail Price: $29.99
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
An unfinished novel, a stolen car, a murdered pet and a failing marriage are just a few of the crises piling up like a logjam in this often hilarious story of bright promise gone awry.
During a single hectic weekend, college professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) scrambles to gather together a life that has suddenly reeled out of control. Along for the ride are his gifted but troubled student (Tobey Maguire, Cider House Rules), his eccentric editor (Robert Downey, Jr.), the married chancellor of his university (Frances McDormand, Fargo) who is pregnant with his child and his sultry student boarder (Katie Holmes, Dawson`s Creek).
Directed by Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential), this darkly comedic odyssey of self-discovery was hailed by Roger Ebert as "one of the best movies of the year."
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Exclusive Cast & Crew Interviews
Pittsburgh Interactive Location Map With Commentary By Curtis Hanson
Songs Of Wonder Boys With Commentary By Curtis Hanson
"Things Have Changed" Bob Dylan Music Video
Theatrical Trailer
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital 5.0 English
Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 French
Subtitle Tracks:
English
Directed By:
Curtis Hanson
Written By:
Steven Kloves
Michael Chabon
Starring:
Richard Knox
Rip Torn
Katie Holmes
Robert Downey Jr.
Frances McDormand
Tobey Maguire
Michael Douglas
Casting By:
Mali Finn
Soundtrack By:
Christopher Young
Bob Dylan
Director of Photography:
Dante Spinotti
Editor:
Dede Allen
Costume Designer:
Beatrix Aruna Pasztor
Production Designer:
Jeannine Claudia Oppewall
Producer:
Scott Rudin
Curtis Hanson
Lisa Grundy
Executive Producer:
Adam Schroeder
Ned Dowd
Distributor:
Paramount Pictures
Your Opinions and Comments
The video transfer is good. There are no compression signs at all and the picture is very nice and detailed, especially during the soft snow scenes (and there are several of those).
The DD 5.0 soundtrack (yeah, no sub) is satisfying. While there are hardly any effects in the movie, the surrounds are adequately used to enhance the atmosphere.
The menus are animated with music.
The extras include some behind the scenes footage, an interactive map of Pittsburgh and a music video. Nothing thrilling here.
Bottom line - a total waste of time. Not really worth watching.
Content:- I was kinda tired when I first watched this, so I didnt follow the story initially. It all came together later on though and I actually really enjoyed it. The performance from Douglas was really good, as were all the other ones. Basically this film revolved around the characters, so it worked quite well on that level as they were all played really well. Aye.
Video:- Pretty decent really. No complaints from me. I cant really ask for much more, but then again I dont ever ask for anything.
Audio:- Clear and understandable. No problems really. This was a dialogue film, so I dont imagine the DD5.0 soundtrack will be up to much, but then again it wont really matter. It worked fine. Aye.
Features:- From what I saw on the box it looked like it had a reasonable assortment, but I never actually saw any of them. Marks for effort I guess. Yup.
Overall:- I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would, which is good. Yep.
This is a character based movie. You will love the characters and the acting which seems so real. One of my favourite bits is when they are in the bar and out of nowhere they come up with Vernon Hardapple. Katie Holmes, Robert Downey Jnr and Frances Mcdormand all have great supporting roles which are well acted but Michael and Toby steal the show.
The picture is a superb widescreen anamorphic transfer that is very well detailed although this movie is not about visual effects. The sound also is a good DD 5.0. The disc is a bit lacking in extras. The extras on it are quite good but there should be more.
Overall a super movie that is a must own. It may take more than one viewing but you will like it. The movie is at times hilarious yet it does not lose any of its seriousness from this.