DVD Corner

Black Butterfly Blu-ray Review

“Black Butterfly” is one clunky movie.

The Story: Paul is a divorced, alcoholic, broke writer who is struggling to write in his remote cabin. While at a café one day, Paul finds himself getting in a confrontation before being bailed out by a mysterious drifter (Jack). Paul decides to offer Jack a place to stay at his cabin. At first things seem to be going swimmingly as Jack cooks, cleans, and even inspires Paul to get his life and career back on track. Alas, the good times don’t last as the two begin to clash as both men are harboring secrets. What are they? I’ve said too much already.

At no point in time did I buy anything going on in “Black Butterfly.” Writers Marc Frydman and Justin Stanley lean so heavily on their twists that everything around them feels phony, forced, unnatural, unbelievable and sometimes downright nonsensical. The movie also not only contains numerous scenes of padding but it also feels like it’s missing scenes that should be leading into other scenes. Director Brian Goodman doesn’t help matters here as his flat direction never creates anything resembling tension.

Considering “Black Butterfly” largely takes place in minimal locations, one would think this would be a good film to showcase the cast’s talents. While that is true, they can only do so much with the deeply flawed material. Stars Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Rhys Meyers commit to their roles and play off each other well, but it’s clear their talents are being underutilized here as they are capable of doing so much more with their roles. Still, they are the best part of this movie without question.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? A solid transfer. No more, no less.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A rather soft track all things considered. The quieter dialogue centric moments aren’t handled particularly well.

Extras: * Lionsgate trailers and a “Black Butterfly” trailer. * Digital copy. * The 9 minute “Black Butterfly: Backstage” contains behind-the-scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, and more. * An ultra dry commentary by Brian Goodman and Marc Frydman that is full of mumbling.

July 3, 2017 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Antonio Banderas, Black Butterfly Blu-ray Review, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Piper Perabo