DVD Corner

The Brass Teapot Blu-ray Review

“The Brass Teapot” starts off promising, but fizzles out near the end.

A young married couple (John and Alice) struggling to get by in today’s economy find their luck changing when Alice steals a peculiar teapot. This is no ordinary teapot, however, as it produces cash if someone harms him or herself near it. Seeing a way out of their financial woes, John and Alice begin to harm themselves in a variety of creative ways, but things begin to spiral out of control as their relationship and well being is threatened.

In the first half hour or so, “The Brass Teapot” appears to be a rather lighthearted magic morality tale about greed, love, learning, life, and money. As the story progresses though, the story (and tone) take a dark turn that may throw off viewers (although I think that’s the point). While the tonal change didn’t bother me, the fact that story runs out of steam does. There is simply not enough material here to fill out a full movie. Most moviegoers will predict where the story is headed and, as a result, the lead characters’ journey becomes less engaging as time goes on. There are only so many pain antics one can watch before it becomes repetitive.

With all of that said, stars Juno Temple and Michael Angarano do a fine job as Alice and John. Their on-screen chemistry is downright charming and it’s not hard to see why these two young actors are becoming rising stars in Hollywood (especially Juno Temple).

Video/Audio:

Video Presentation: 2.35:1 1080p. Verdict: Crisp and clean transfer.

Audio Presentation: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Verdict: An adequate track that gets the job done.

Extras:
* “The Brass Teapot” trailer and other Magnolia trailers.
* Interviews with actor Michael Angarano and director Ramaa Mosley.
* A prologue/alternate opening and 12 deleted scenes.
* “Uncovering: The Brass Teapot”- A featurette about the legend of the brass teapot throughout history.
* “AXS TV: A Look At The Brass Teapot”- A standard featurette on just about every Mganolia disc courtesy of AXS TV.
* A decent commentary by Ramaa Mosley and producer P. Jennifer Dana. Discussions range from character and mythology to the wardrobes and themes.

Summary: “The Brass Teapot” is certainly not as bad as the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes suggest. The movie is entirely watchable and often humorous, but ultimately it’s not something that will stick with you after you see it.  

June 19, 2013 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Juno Temple, Michael Angarano, The Brass Teapot Blu-ray Review