I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009/Lionsgate Blu-ray + DVD)
Picture:
C+/C Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Film: C+
Continuing
his filmed adaptations of his highly successful series of stage plays, Tyler
Perry chose to make I Can Do Bad All By
Myself as his next theatrical release in 2009. Again, the original version has more music
and we actually covered it from The
Plays DVD set at this link:
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/6267/Tyler+Perry+%E2%80%93+The+Plays
This one
did not stick with me as much then or now and not just because Perry recently
backed the outstanding film Precious,
but because it offers nothing new to the somewhat formula approach Perry usually
does with enough variation to separate his works. Taraji P. Henson is fine in the lead and is a
very talented actress, while Adam Rodriguez (Ugly Betty) makes a fine showing
himself. The rest of the cast does well
and any film with Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige (especially both singing,
though sadly not together) cannot be bad.
This is for fans only, but is still a quality production that will not
disappoint too much.
The 1080p
1.78 X 1 digital high definition image on the Blu-ray is softer than a filmed
production should be with motion blur throughout as if it were shot in HD, but
this was filmed on Kodak film stock. The
digital internegative is the culprit, but this can look good at times, but the
anamorphically enhanced DVD is weaker still, so expect mixed results. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1 mix
on the Blu-ray is about on par with the Dolby Digital 5.1 on the DVD, sometimes
playing too much towards the center speakers and being somewhat monophonic. Extras in both editions include three making
of featurettes, but that is it.
- Nicholas Sheffo
