Not TAKEN With This One

Article first published as TAKEN Review on Seat42F.

Tired of the trend of movies turned into television shows yet? Me, too, but that doesn’t mean the networks are going to stop trying any time soon. Tonight, NBC jumps in with TAKEN, a prequel to the movies bearing the same title. Well, sort of a prequel because the technology used by the characters is from our present day, not set in the past. But character-wise, this is the back story for the lead guy.

TAKEN the series begins with Bryan Mills (Vikings’ Clive Standen taking over for Liam Neeson) out of the special forces, but not yet working for the CIA. He has done things that have made some people mad, terrorists mostly, and they want revenge. So the people that Bryan cares about are put in danger as his past catches up with him in violent ways. Yep, consistent with the big screen Mills.

This violence is the core of TAKEN, as far as I can tell. In the first hour alone, I’d estimate almost half of it involves sneaking around, fighting, and shooting. From the adrenaline-pumping, tragic opening, to the climactic showdown, this is, by and large, a popcorn adventure, with much more focus on action than on character development.

In fact, while there are some character moments in this pilot, I would argue that there really isn’t any notable character development in the first episode, nor will I expect to see any in future episodes. Bryan seems more or less the same person at the beginning as he is at the end, and will remain roughly the same individual in the films. There is a very stagnant consistency that is disappointing. It would be far more interesting to see Bryan grow into a badass than to have him ready-made this way. Though, given his established background, I guess TAKEN would have to start much earlier in his story to do that kind of arc.

While everything is happening to Bryan and he’s running around, the perspective does frequently switch back to Christina Hart (Jennifer Beals, The L Word, Flashdance) and her CIA team. They are watching Bryan, trying to decide when and if they should recruit him. Given that Beals and several of the others are listed as main players, it should be no surprise that they make a decision in the affirmative pretty quickly; Bryan has to join them before things can really start. But the inclusion of the various team members that make up the core ensemble indicate that TAKEN will be a series of procedural missions, the obvious way to go with this series, and a format TV definitely does not need any more of.

I will say, given that TAKEN is on NBC, rather than CBS or FOX, it does feel a little less formulaic than it otherwise might. NBC doesn’t typically box in their series so stringently, and that does come across in episode one. There are also some shades of the network’s Hannibal (a beautiful, brilliant show that is the exception to the bad adaptation rule) in the tone and style, though that comparison only hurts TAKEN, as it doesn’t live up to that other work by any measure. But what I’m saying is, while TAKEN isn’t good, it could be worse if airing elsewhere.

The best thing that could happen to TAKEN is a quick death. It doesn’t appear it’ll be one of the greats, and the last thing we need is another mediocre series. A fair number of people like the movies (not myself, but I know a few), so why not let those stand on their own for what they are instead of tainting them with a lackluster pseudo-prequel? It would be a mercy to the fans and viewers in general for this to get yanked quickly.

TAKEN premieres tonight at 10/9c on NBC.

Blu-ray Review: ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ on Blogcritics.

After the success of Ted, the box office failure of A Million Ways to Die in the West was a surprise to some. Did it mean Seth MacFarlane, the creator of long-running animated hits Family Guy and American Dad!, wasn’t cut out for the movies? Or should he only write scripts and voice animated characters, rather than star himself? For those who haven’t yet seen this work and are waiting to pass judgment, your chance will come as the film is released on Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday.

Honestly, I enjoyed A Million Ways to Die in the West. It may be because I am already a fan of MacFarlane’s and get his sense of humor, but many jokes landed for me consistently throughout the movie, and there are frequent laugh-out-loud-worthy bits. Setting modern sensibilities in the Old West is not a completely original idea, but MacFarlane has much to say on the topic, and writes gags both obvious and less so. It’s probably the best effort along these lines since Mel Brooks' masterpiece, Blazing Saddles, though I wouldn’t say this movie is nearly as good as that classic. Yes, as some have suggested, many of the best gags are in the trailer, robbing viewers a bit of the viewing experience in context, but there are also quite a few good ones that are not, including when discussing the origin of the town of Old Stump.

MacFarlane is quite clever. The story, that of a man who is dumped by a vapid girl, then takes up with the wife of a notorious criminal, is simple to follow, and while predictable, works for the piece. The musical number in the movie is actually an adaptation of an old Stephen Foster melody; this makes good use of historical information and shows the care that went into development. And the main premise of the film, that American movies have romanticized an era that was dirty, dangerous, and not a lot of fun to live in, is solid. Perhaps this isn’t quite the makings of a good feature-length film, but MacFarlane does put forth a decent effort at it.

I will admit, A Million Ways to Die in the West drags at spots. I watched the unrated version (offered alongside the theatrical release on the disc), which weighs in at a running time of two hours and fifteen minutes, significantly longer than your average comedy. There are probably quite a few bits that could be eliminated to improve the pacing. At times, the funny comes almost completely unrelated to the story, much in the way that Family Guy does cut scenes. But, there wasn’t a time where I got completely bored and wished it would end.

The cast is terrific. MacFarlane himself does a serviceable job in the lead role, hanging with big dogs like Charlize Theron (Prometheus, Arrested Development), Liam Neeson (Taken, Schindler’s List), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, Gone Girl), Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables, Big Love), Giovanni Robisi (Saving Private Ryan, Friends), and Sarah Silverman (Wreck-It Ralph, Masters of Sex), whom are all excellent. The cameos are awesome, including one from a classic 80s (actually, 1990) movie you probably won’t see coming, but is likely the best get possible for this particular movie.

The extras are decent enough. There are lots of alternative and deleted scenes, including a different opening and closing. There’s a ten minute behind-the-scenes featurette that is interesting, as well as a gag reel and a focus on locations. Theron gamely shows up for the commentary alongside MacFarlane and co-writers / executive producers Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild. The cameos are also highlighted.

Overall, while not the best comedy movie I’ve seen recently, A Million Ways to Die in the West is worth watching. It could use a bit of an edit, but the concept and many of the jokes are solid. I hope MacFarlane is allowed to try again, because while this effort may not quite be as great as one might hope, it has the ingredients which, which fine-tuned, could be something really special.

A Million Ways to Die in the West will be available on disc this coming Tuesday from Universal.

Schindler's List makes my Blu-ray list

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Schindler's List on Blogcritics.

Few people have not heard of, or, for that matter, not seen, 1993's Schindler's List. It is a critically acclaimed, award-winning (including seven Academy Awards), box office smash that is often mentioned as one of the best films ever made. Directed by the great Steven Spielberg, the movie, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, finally gets the Blu-ray treatment, released in the high definition format last week.

For those few who have not seen it, or need a refresher, Schindler's List is the tale of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson, Taken, Batman Begins), a German who decides he can profit from World War II by opening a factory and hiring cheap Jewish labor. Aided by collaborator Itzhak Stern (Ben Kingsley, Hugo), many are saved from the death chambers by the work, even though being a hero is not exactly Oskar's goal.

Then death intrudes upon Oskar's world. He sees the massacre of many Jewish citizens, and begins to change his mind about the worth of the people he's employed. Befriending S.S. officer Amon Goeth (Ralph Fiennes, Skyfall, Harry Potter), Schindler cajoles and bribes Nazis to keep the Jews in his employment and away from the death camps. He sinks almost his entire fortune into the protection scheme, and does what he can to help, even though, in the end, he doesn't feel like he's done enough.

Schindler's List isn't exactly a true story, as it is based on an historical novel, rather than non-fiction sources. But it does have real-life people portrayed in it, and, of course, the setting and horrors of the war are very much real. Filmed in an artistic black and white, with a truly moving color ending set in the present day, and a sweeping score by John Williams featuring violist Itzhak Perlman, it's impossible to watch this movie and not be moved by the tragic events it depicts.

This Blu-ray release looks stunning, probably the best such release for a black and white film to date. The blacks, whites, and grays are layered magnificently, with much depth and detail. The image is incredibly crisp, without any unintentional blurriness or graininess. The most remarkable thing that can be said about this version is there really is absolutely nothing to complain about in the sharp, clear picture at all.

The soundtrack is equally impressive. For the tiniest whisper to the biggest roar, each are masterfully captured, balanced, and given the presentation they deserve. The score is one of the highlights of the film, and is beautifully integrated. The dialogue is perfectly balanced, and there are not hints of cracks and pops, with even the subtle effects coming through as they should.

The sole complaint that can be lobbied against the Schindler's List 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is that it lacks new special features. The original three extras from previous releases are present: "Voices from the List," a 77-minute collection of interviews with Holocaust survivors; a five minute discussion with Spielberg about his founding of the USC Shoah Foundation; and a promo for the educational IWitness online application. But there's nothing else.

Spielberg has said that he thinks Schindler's List should stand on its own, and that is the reason for the lack of a behind-the-scenes featurette or other documentary. I'm torn on whether to agree with this or not, as it is a powerful and important picture that should be considered on its own merits, even as some would like to see how the director made it. Unfortunately, that choice has been made for us, so I would not expect a release with anything other than these trio of extras anytime soon.

In all, though, this is a terrific edition. The movie really is every bit as good as everyone says it is, an anomaly in the current pop culture scene, and being able to own it on Blu-ray, with such a flawless, impressive high definition presentation, is greatly appreciated. Schindler's List 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is available now.

Life's Too Short another hit for Gervais and Merchant

This week, Life's Too Short premiered on HBO. The series is a fictional mockumentary, following the life of Britain's "go-to dwarf," Warwick Davis (played by the real Warwick Davis). While fans of Davis may know him from his turn in the Harry Potter and Star Wars franchises, and less so for a starring role in Willow, this Warwick is short on cash and going through a messy divorce. So he bugs his old friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant to find him work, which is not something that they are eager to do. 

Life's Too Short blurs the line between reality and fiction. What is happening on screen is scripted, not real. It would be quite surprising if Davis is really hard up for dough, given the long list of screen credits he carries, including many recent projects. Instead, in the style of Gervais and Merchant's previous series, The Office and Extras, a doddering idiot runs around with a lot of moxie, but little skill to get what he wants. Because the guy at the center of this show is playing a character who shares his name and much of his back story, one can be forgiven for thinking, at first, that this is non-fiction. However, Warwick Davis is just another character in the vein of David Brent.

Which is not a complaint at all! Davis really sells the part, making Life's Too Short very enjoyable. Also, Merchant and Gervais have perfected this shtick over time, and what is presented in this latest incarnation is actually very smooth and funny. From climbing through the doggy door of his house, to bending reality when speaking of his divorce, the character of Davis is someone who is very entertaining, even if he is not well liked.

Those who complain that Life's Too Short is offensive haven't been watching very well. The involvement of Davis in the project, as well as a number of other very short actors, gets around the picking on dwarves criticism, since they are complicit in the project. People are surely allowed to make fun of themselves, no? Plus, there is never an issue of size in anything that matters. His wife isn't leaving him because of his stature. His height has nothing to do with why Merchant and Geravis are annoyed with him. Instead, it's Warwick's blustery attitude that the show rides on.

Like Extras, Life's Too Short looks to recruit many A-list guest stars. In the first episode, Davis sits in on a meeting between Liam Neeson and Gervais and Merchant. Neeson insists he would like to get into comedy, and aided by Gervais, Neeson practices some improv. Nesson keeps throwing AIDS and other dark material into the sketch, which is actually quite hilarious, mostly because of the awkward air in the room. While the character of Neeson may not be able to garner any laughs, the actor certainly knows just the right delivery to hit on.

Life's Too Short is a fantastic show that should not be missed. Tune in to HBO Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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