The House Bunny (2008/Sony Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B     Sound: B     Extras: C     Film: C

 

 

Comedian Fred Wolf tires directing again and there is some improvement in the comedy The House Bunny (2008) with the pretty Anna Faris (Brokeback Mountain, Lost In Translation) as the title character, who has been thrown out of the Playboy Mansion, only to find herself trying to help some none-too-bright sorority gals from being evicted.  It is a simple idea and concept, with obvious humor throughout, yet the Karen McCullah Lutz/Kirsten Smith screenplay is not awful and if you are in the mood for a dumb film that can be fun (like Uncle Buck) then this is for you.

 

Faris has done more dumb films than good, but the camera likes her and I like her, as she slowly takes center stage and is potentially the next breakout star.  She can be charming and funny without trying and is proof in the myth of only youth & beauty can equal formula that there is something to be said for talent and star power.  She has it and to be honest, is getting better with each film, even the bad ones.  As her star climbs, this will be a curio and most who see it will not be all that disappointed.

 

 

The 1080p 2.35 X 1 digital High Definition image was shot in High Definition and actually has some good color, but the format still makes this look softer and less engaging that it should, though Director of Photography Shelley Johnson (The Last Castle) does add some fun composition to this.  However, detail can be an issue.  The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix is joke/dialogue-based, so this is no sonic gem, but the recording is warm and enjoyable enough.

 

Extras include deleted scenes, a music video for a remake of “I Know What Boys Like” that I didn’t, BD Live interactive capacities and three making of featurettes: The Girls Upstairs, Look Who Dropped By and Anna Faris: House Mom.  Hugh Hefner was happy with it all and you too can see why if you want to leave your brain at the door.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo