So Matthew
Perry plays process server Joe Tyler and Elizabeth Hurley plays
divorced wife Sara Moore. If these characters don't warrant a
road trip film I don't know who does. The two team up to serve
divorce papers to cheating husband Gordon Moore (Campbell), but
fellow process server/office rival (Vincent Pastore) tries to
thwart their plan. The idea behind Serving Sara is
menacingly simple, which is why the film worked better than I
initially thought. The previews didn't get me to pay $9 to sit
inside the theater.
Serving
Sara is essentially a road trip comedy branded with silly
jokes and a helpless plot. This film doesn't offer anything hip
or new to the genre, but manages to entertain for at least half
of its running time. Serving Sara is a predictable mess
in terms of writing, but surprisingly the presentation is not.
The comedy has its ups and downs, but I made it through the film
without fast-forwarding.
Granted, I
realize this film isn't up to par with any sort of standards,
but I enjoyed this film for what it is: a 100-minute comedic
escape if nothing else is available for the moment. I guess this
sounds like I enjoyed this film with all my heart, but I didn't.
Really. Deep down inside I know how dull and ridiculous this
film is. I don't deny it. Serving Sara follows its
formula so close that after the first thirty minutes the story
begins to drag and scenes last longer than they should.
Perry clearly enjoys his character
and it shows. I doubt the character was as hip on the page, but
Perry's performance, even though he somewhat sleepwalked through
it, contained a fun comedic edge. On the other hand, however,
Hurley's sexy accent is not the main attraction here, but her
looks definitely are. My thanks go out to the wardrobe and
make-up departments. Vincent Pastore doesn't have much to work
with, but his character carries some silliness that translates
well enough. On the other hand, Bruce Campbell and Cedric The
Entertainer are completely lackluster and their talent is wasted
in this film.
5 out of 10
The
Video
Paramount usually does a good job
of creating well-balanced picture quality. Serving Sara
is no exception. Presented in 1:85.1, the screen is filled with
mostly bring colors, leaving hardly any room for dark spots. On
the other hand, I noticed some lines and scratches around the
edges, but nothing scene-specific.
7 out of 10
The
Audio
Marcus Miller's film score
graces the front and rear speakers, creating an easy atmosphere.
Serving Sara doesn't focus much on audio quality, but
once in a while specific sound effects (and you know which ones)
do come off as loud and clear (no pun intended). For those of
you who want to know, Paramount offers 5.1 Surround, Dolby
Surround, and French Dolby Surround.
7 out of 10
The
Extras
Considering the dismal box office
run, I didn't except this DVD release to get much attention.
However, Paramount proved me wrong. There's some interesting
stuff on here that is worth the price of a rental, but then
there is other stuff that is not.
Director's commentary - I
didn't really care for the film too much and this track isn't
very interesting.
Behind-the-scenes featurette
- Nothing special.
Outtakes - "Have it your
way, dude", but some of this stuff was rather funny.
2 deleted scenes and 3
alternate scenes - Well, I'm glad these didn't make it,
otherwise the film would've been even more longer than
necessary.
7 out of 10
Overall
I'm not sure whether to recommend
this film or not. My initial response is "no." Perhaps after
some thinking my response can change. You know what, it's still
a "no." I'd like to say "don't waste your money on this," but
the DVD presentation warrants at least a $2.99 rental (that is,
if you can find a deal like this, which is probably impossible,
but that's not up to me).
