DVD Corner

Nadine Blu-ray Review

“Nadine” is a big waste of talent.

“Nadine” is a crime comedy that takes place in the 50s in Austin, Texas. The story begins with the titular character attempting to get erotic photos back from a photographer. Instead, she finds herself witnessing his death. Before running away, she grabs what she thinks are the photos but they turn out to be coveted highway maps. When her in debt ex-husband Vernon gets wind of this, he sees the maps as a means to make money. Nadine and Vernon quickly find themselves in deep trouble when a dangerous businessman (Buford) and his two goons come looking for the maps. Through this perilous journey, Nadine and Vernon just might rekindle their romance.

Writer/director Robert Benton’s list of writing credits includes a myriad of classics like “Bonnie And Clyde,” “Superman,” “Kamer Vs. Kramer,” and the underrated western “Bad Company” which makes 1987’s “Nadine” all the more disappointing. The romantic crime comedy feels like it is attempting to cash-in on the success of “Romancing The Stone” ; only this film lacks adventure and has been justifiably forgotten over time. The story is curiously flat and often feels like it’s on auto-pilot, the map angle feels bizarrely low stakes, Nadine and Vernon getting in trouble with the law feels like it is abandoned for a majority of the runtime, the comedy is virtually non-existent, and the attempts at action (ladders! Rattlesnakes! shootout!) look and feel rather cheap. Even the film’s attempts at characterization feel undercooked. We’ve seen the “squabbling former couple who reconnect” tale so many times.

On the subject of the characters, the cast is what keeps “Nadine” watchable. After starring in “9 ½ Weeks” (and before starring in “Batman”), Kim Basinger led this flick alongside Jeff Bridges. The two have palpable chemistry together and clearly do their best with the material they are given, but it’s so painfully evident the two deserved so much better. Same goes with Rip Torn, Glenne Headly and Jerry Stiller who are all wasted in their roles.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. Grade: B+

Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

The lone extra is a retro VHS inspired slipcover.

October 20, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 80s Movie, Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Nadine Blu-ray Review