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Big Trouble

 

Starring: Tim Allen, Rene Russo, Tom Sizemore
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Rating: PG-13

Review Posted: 10.23.02

 

By John Teves.

 

The Movie

 

Tim Allen (Joe Somebody, Galaxy Quest) and Rene Russo (Showtime, The Thomas Crown Affair) star in a film from Barry Sonnenfield, director of Get Shorty and Men In Black. Based on humorist Dave Barry's best-selling first novel, Big Trouble follows the comedic chaos created when a mysterious suitcase that threatens the security of Miami changes the lives of a divorced dad, an unhappy housewife, 2 hit men, a pair of street thugs, 2 love struck teens, 2 FBI men and a psychedelic toad. There is something for everyone no matter who is looking for Big Trouble, and in the end all-star comedy conquers all.

 

BIG TROUBLE is a funny film but doesn't have much of a sense of how to keep the action articulate. There's a lot of frenzy but not enough out come. The film gave us a roster of comedic stars that if given the chance would have displayed a hysterical synergy, but sorry to say the direction of the film wasted that opportunity. Instead the film is filled with uncultivated characters that have comical moments. I felt the matter seemed forced, ungainly, and even irritating at times.

 

>Read Lee Tistaert's Film Review.

 

The Video

 

BIG TROUBLE appears in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 on this single-sided, double-layered DVD; the widescreen image has been enhanced for 16X9 televisions. The film presented an accurate and distinct image for the most part. Jagged edges offered no concerns, I did notice some light edge enhancement but not enough to merit any type of concern. Colors were precise. Black levels were deep and rich; shadow detail came across clear. Overall, BIG TROUBLE presented a solid picture.

 

The Audio

 

BIG TROUBLE is presented in a  Dolby  Digital 5.1 mix. The sound mix worked well for this type of film. Of course the mix featured an emphasis on the forward channels most of the time; effects and stereo sound showed fairly good separation, and a nice sense of width. The track created a positive sense of atmosphere, and when necessary, elements panned cleanly from one speaker to the next. Audio quality was positive. Dialogue sounded distinct and natural. Effects sounded clean and accurate - presenting good dynamics. BIG TROUBLE offered an enjoyable mix for this type of genre.

 

The Extras

 

-Five Minute Movie

-Audio Commentary from Director Barry Sonnenfeld

 

Overall

 

The DVD offers great picture and sound along with an undersized roster of supplements. Fans of BIG TROUBLE will be pleased with this DVD. I personally felt the film had such potential but really didn’t deliver as it should have. It’s certainly a fun rental, but not much else.

 

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