DVD Corner

Charlie Countryman Blu-ray Review

“Charlie Countryman” is a sloppy romantic crime dramedy.

“Charlie Countryman” (formerly “The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman”) is a surrealistic film in which the main character (Charlie) travels to Bucharest at his dead mother’s request (yes, you read that right). On the long flight, he (sort of) befriends a Romanian man (Victor) that is seated next to him until he winds up dead. Upon arrival, Charlie meets Victor’s grieving daughter (Gabi) and falls instantly in love with her. As the two get to know each other, he begins to learn of her past and her psycho ex-husband (Nigel) which proves to be problematic for Charlie to say the least.

I’m not sure what sort of weird plane of existence “Charlie Countryman” takes place in, but neither does writer Matt Drake and director Fredrik Bond it seems. I assume the film is trying to be a profound, dreamlike, drug fueled, life affirming, spiritual, magical love story, but, in reality, it plays like a sluggish, meandering art film that ultimately isn’t worth the journey. Drake and Bond are simply overambitious here as they cram in too many ideas and subplots.

On the plus side, the entire cast is fantastic here. As you know, Shia LaBeouf’s acting has been criticized over the years, but I have always been a fan of his work. His personal life choices may certainly be puzzling and confusing as of late, but he always gives a role 100% (especially as the titular character here). The always underrated Evan Rachel Wood also impresses as the mysterious Gabi (Charlie’s love interest). The real star, however, is Mads Mikkelsen (of “Casino Royale,” “The Hunt,” and “Hannibal” fame). The versatility of Mikkelsen never ceases to amaze me and I am always eager to see what role he will take next. It should be noted that there are several small role appearances by Aubrey Plaza, Melissa Leo, and Vincent D’Onofrio as well. Rupert Grint (Ron from the “Harry Potter” films) and James Buckley (from the great British “The Inbetweeners” series) also show up in strange supporting roles.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen 1080p. How does it look? This is a sharp transfer through and through.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? From Moby’s great music to the crisp and clear dialogue, this track delivers.

Extras:
* Millennium Entertainment trailers.
* 10 deleted scenes including an alternate opening and an alternate ending.
* “Behind The Scenes” contains film clips, set footage, cast and crew interviews, etc.

February 3, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Aubrey Plaza, Charlie Countryman Blu-ray Review, Evan Rachel Wood, Mads Mikkelsen, Rupert Grint, Shia LaBeouf