Soft-spoken 15-year
old Leland Fitzgerald (Ryan Gosling) commits a seemingly senseless
murder that shocks his community, affecting both his victim's
family and his own. Arrested and imprisoned in a juvenile
detention facility, Leland comes in contact with an aspiring
writer and teacher, Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle). As Pearl delves
into the mystery of Leland's crime, he also sees the chance for a
career-making book as the boy's estranged father is the
world-renowned author, Albert Fitzgerald (Kevin Spacey). Thanks to
IMDB.
CRITIQUE
The United Sates
of Leland starts out with a promising idea and story, but as
the film progresses the message gets kind of jumbled and loses its
dramatic license. Parts of the script are well-realized in terms
of good scenes, and the actors do a pretty good job with their
roles, but ultimately the film doesn't deliver the way it could
have. One aspect of the film reminds me of a film called Manic,
which also stars Don Cheadle as a counselor. Both films are about
something similar, essentially violence and the study of character
(s), but they also differ in terms of execution and overall story.
In Leland, the viewer is treated to a more rounded set of
characters than in Manic, and the drama works its
intentions for a while, but in the end I can't say I was impressed
or moved one way or the other. I liked parts of the film, but
other times I wasn't very involved, although I'll rate the film a
generous 6 because at least it has something to say.
THE VIDEO
Paramount presents The
United States of Leland in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen.
Picture quality looks fine, and there are only some minor issues
with the transfer, yet nothing really distracts or stands out
inexplicably.
THE AUDIO
Paramount presents The
United States of Leland in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround.
Dialogue is clear and easy to understand. Sound effects are
minimal, and therefore the rear speakers don't get a good
workout. The front speakers get nearly all the attention, and
overall present the soundtrack in decent fashion.
THE EXTRAS
Nothing
substantial, only some trailers.
SUMMARY
The
United States of Leland
is not a weak film, but
instead it's an average drama that just didn't quite get to realize
its potential, yet there are some very good performances. The DVD is
barebones which is kind of disappointing but expected. I suggest a
matinee rental if that sort of thing exists, but that's about it.
