Taking Chances (2009/Lionsgate DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Film: C-

 

 

A young man (Justin Long) obsessed with the Revolutionary War decides he will fight against a corrupt politician’s plans to build a Native American gambling casino over an historic battleground in Talmage Cooley’s Taking Chances (2009), a would-be comedy with a good idea, no laughs, few smiles and the feeling of a tired package deal that never adds up to anything.

 

Chase Revere (Long) goes around dressed in the classic costumes and even has high hopes to revive interest in the subject, as well as use it as a way to help the town make money from tourists.  However, that corrupt politician (Rob Corddry) intends to do things the worst way and could care less about history unless it lines his pocket.  Emmanuelle Chriqui shows up as a much-needed love interest and Missy Pyle plays the politician’s annoyed wife.  With some effort, this could have been funny, but new ideas are as barren as the open fields in the film.  Skip it.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is shot in Fuji Film in what looks like Super 35, but can be weak and soft throughout, but it is hard to tell if this is from the style or the limits of the shoot or this transfer.  Either way, detail is lacking and only the Revolutionary costumes and related items look normally colorful.  The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is not bad, but not good either, with limited surrounds and the low budget affected the location recording.  Compare to the Dolby 2.0 Stereo and you’ll notice little difference.  There are no extras.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo