DVD Corner

A Single Shot Blu-ray Review

Sam Rockwell is the lone highlight of the dull “A Single Shot.”

The plot: After a small town hunter with a troubled past (John Moon) accidentally shoots and kills a woman, he tries to cover up his crime. He also winds up stealing the money that the woman apparently had. Seeing this newfound money as a blessing, he decides to use it to help fight his wife’s divorce case. Predictably, John doesn’t get off scot-free as his deathly mistake comes back to haunt him when several criminals connect him to the missing money.

If this backwoods noir tale sounds familiar and predictable, that’s because it is. The film plays like a cross between “A Simple Plan” and “Winter’s Bone” only it’s nowhere near as interesting as either. Writer Matthew F. Jones (who penned the screenplay based off of his own novel) takes far too long to set-up the story and characters and takes even more time making the largely uneventful events unfold. One would think a story about crimes, backstabbing, secrets and lies would be intense, but there’s little to no attention grabbing moments (especially since the suspects are immediately evident).

In what should come as no surprise, Sam Rockwell is the only reason “A Single Shot” is made watchable. Rockwell, who is one of the most underrated, underappreciated, consistent and versatile actors around, knocks it out of the park here as the quiet, restrained, stubborn screw-up John Moon. Between this and his winning turn in “The Way Way Back,” he had himself another stand-out year in 2013.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen 1080p. How does it look? The striking cinematography gives off a great sense of location and atmosphere (especially in hi-def).

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? All of the characters mumble and or speak softly/quietly so you will have to adjust the sound frequently.

Extras:
* Well Go USA Entertainment and “A Single Shot” trailers.
* William H. Macy and Sam Rockwell interviews.
* “Making Of” featurette contains set footage, discussions about the story, and cast and crew interviews. Standard stuff.

January 14, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A Single Shot Blu-ray Review, Sam Rockwell