My Life In Ruins (2009/Fox Blu-ray)

 

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

 

 

What is it about Nia Varadalos that every time she shows up, there is a man who happens to be in the mode of a Fabio or the like and she proves to be funny and romantic?  Well, she is a good character actress, but doing the same thing over and over again does not work and trying to parlay My Big Fat Greek Wedding into a sort of act has grown thin very quickly.  Donald Petrie’s My Life In Ruins (2009) takes place in Greece where our star is a tour guide. 

 

Though the locations are inarguable, Richard Dreyfuss shows up as a sort of comic relief figure and that never works, despite his capacities and best efforts.  Petrie is not a bad director, but this is a package deal all involved hoped would be a big surprise romantic comedy hit, but the even worse The Proposal beat them too it.  They could have easily had the hit or been another at this limited level, but Mamma Mia beat them for a recent hit trip to Greece.  Safe fluff at best, this has more storyline in “ruins” than anything else and its “life” is limited.  For die-hard fans only.

 

The 1080p 1.85 X 1 AVC @ 33 MBPS digital High Definition image is disappointing, looking limited in definition, especially sad considering the location work.  Color is not always great, but it is at least a clean, professional production.  The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1 mix is limited to its dialogue and jokes, with surrounds usually engaged for music and some location moments.  Extras include alternate ending, feature length audio commentary by Varadalos, Deleted Scenes with optional commentary and some other tidbits for the few who aren’t asleep at that point.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo