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Life Of Crime Blu-ray Review

“Life of Crime” is a middle of the road Elmore Leonard film adaptation.

Based on novel “The Switch” by Elmore Leonard, “Life of Crime” is a quirky crime drama about 2 criminals (Louis and Ordell) that decide to kidnap the wife (Mickey) of a rich, shady real estate mogul (Frank) only to see their plan backfire when Mickey has no interest in paying the hefty ransom price tag. You see, not only was Frank planning to divorce Mickey, but also has a new love interest (Melanie). To say anymore would be spoiling the story, but suffice to say, expect plenty of twists and turns as Louis and Ordell figure out what to do next.

Writer/director Daniel Schechter has publicly stated that he loves “Jackie Brown” and that admiration shows in his latest work “Life of Crime.” Not only does Schechter’s film feature some of the same characters as Tarantino’s classic, but it desperately wishes it was “Jackie Brown.” Unfortunately, ‘Crime’ doesn’t pay if you’ll pardon the bad pun. Not only is the story rather empty as a whole, but it just doesn’t add up to much when it’s all over and done with. Sure, the movie is a perfectly watchable “crime gone awry” tale, but the screenplay struggles mightily with a pointless subplot that goes nowhere (see Will Forte’s storyline) and a meandering middle act. Basically, you’re left wanting more given the level of talent involved.

On the subject of the cast, it is easily the highlight of the entire production. Tim Robbins, John Hawkes, Mos Def, Isla Fisher, Will Forte, and Jennifer Aniston all deliver fine performances here. John Hawks and Mos Def are particularly fun to watch as Louis and Ordell. Not only do they tend to have the best scenes to work with, but their chemistry is palpable.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? Say what you will about the film, but Eric Edwards’ cinematography really captures the 70’s time period and this splendid hi-def transfer thankfully highlights it.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? While not the liveliest track around, it does the job.

Extras:
* Digital HD copy.
* 6 deleted scenes.
* Lionsgate trailers.
* “Hit & Run: Choreographing Mayhem”- A featurette on how certain set pieces were constructed and filmed.
* “Behind The Scenes of Life of Crime” contains film clips, cast and crew interviews, discussions about the film and source material, you get the drill.
* “Envisioning The Big Picture: Shooting Crime”- Writer/director Daniel Schechter (among others) talk about the film and Elmore Leonard.
* An involving commentary by Will Forte and Dan Schechter. The two chat about shooting locations, cuts that were made, facts, film rights, “Jackie Brown,” and much more.

October 25, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Elmore Leonard, Jackie Brown, Jennifer Aniston, Life Of Crime Blu-ray Review