| Reviews & Columns |
|
Reviews DVD TV on DVD Blu-ray 4K UHD International DVDs In Theaters Reviews by Studio Video Games Features Collector Series DVDs Easter Egg Database Interviews DVD Talk Radio Feature Articles Columns Anime Talk DVD Savant Horror DVDs The M.O.D. Squad Art House HD Talk Silent DVD
|
 DVD Talk Forum |
|
|
| Resources |
|
DVD Price Search Customer Service #'s RCE Info Links |
|
Columns
  
 
|
|
|
Some Kind of Wonderful
Paramount // PG-13 // August 20, 2002
List Price: $24.98 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
While his writing efforts have fallen into dismal children's fare as of late, John Hughes spent the 80's bouncing back and forth between adult and teen fare that managed to make the familiar often seem fresh, while providing memorable characters and dialogue. "Some Kind of Wonderful", while certainly not one of the writer/director's (in this case, Hughes wrote, while Howard Deutch directed) most widely known efforts, it's still a very enjoyable film that makes for an entertaining - and occasionally even moving - 90 minutes and change.
The film runs through familiar territory, but succeeds largely because of the writer's attention to characters and the performer's nicely done portrayals of said individuals. Eric Stoltz stars as Keith, a mechanic and artist who hangs out with a tomboy (Mary Stuart Masterson), but has a crush on Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson).
The film does offer a lot of the same elements; guy actually manages to go out with dream girl, but doesn't realize that girl who was previously just a friend might be a better choice; said guy also wants to be an artist, but the father thinks business school might be a better choice, etc. Still, the characters are portrayed in a way that's more complex than they usually are in these films. Even the nutcase (an amusing early performance from Elias Koteas) isn't quite as nuts as he appears. Thompson's performance is an equally unexpected work, as she manages to give the character shadings and emotions that aren't usually found in this kind of standard character. Masterson is also charming as the tomboy.
Still, it's not a film without some problems: the film succeeds because of its down-to-earth and grounded nature (making its characters feel even more real), but there's also some moments in the film where it becomes a little bit too low-key and even starts to drag out a bit. Still, "Some Kind of Wonderful" remains a very good effort from Deutch and Hughes - an enjoyable low-key drama that seems more sincere, involving and entertaining than most of the teen fare that gets released 15 years later.
The DVD
VIDEO: Paramount offers "Some Kind of Wonderful" with a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation. Jan Kiesser's cinematography maintains a noticably soft focus, but on the bright side, detail remains pleasant enough as the picture looks passably crisp. The print also looked to be in particularly good condition, as, aside from a hint or two of grain, no wear was apparent. Edge enhancement was also absent, lending the picture a clean, smooth and "film-like" appearance. Colors remained a bit on the subdued side, but still managed to seem fault-free and natural.
SOUND: Paramount offers a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix for "Some Kind of Wonderful". While the effort by the studio is appreciated, there are certain things that I'd rather not hear in 5.1: dated-sounding scores to 80's teen comedy/dramas would probably be near the top of that list. Anyways, the audio is generally pleasant enough, with the largely dialogue-driven effort offering crisp and clear audio quality. Surrounds are essentially unused, aside from a few moments where they provide mild reinforcement for the score.
MENUS: Basic, non-animated main & sub-menus.
EXTRAS: Not a thing.
Final Thoughts: A cute romantic comedy with well-realized characters and sincere emotions, "Some Kind of Wonderful" may be a bit slow at points, but it's still a solid effort from all involved. Recommended for fans; those who haven't seen it and are interested should try a rent.
While his writing efforts have fallen into dismal children's fare as of late, John Hughes spent the 80's bouncing back and forth between adult and teen fare that managed to make the familiar often seem fresh, while providing memorable characters and dialogue. "Some Kind of Wonderful", while certainly not one of the writer/director's (in this case, Hughes wrote, while Howard Deutch directed) most widely known efforts, it's still a very enjoyable film that makes for an entertaining - and occasionally even moving - 90 minutes and change.
The film runs through familiar territory, but succeeds largely because of the writer's attention to characters and the performer's nicely done portrayals of said individuals. Eric Stoltz stars as Keith, a mechanic and artist who hangs out with a tomboy (Mary Stuart Masterson), but has a crush on Amanda Jones (Lea Thompson).
The film does offer a lot of the same elements; guy actually manages to go out with dream girl, but doesn't realize that girl who was previously just a friend might be a better choice; said guy also wants to be an artist, but the father thinks business school might be a better choice, etc. Still, the characters are portrayed in a way that's more complex than they usually are in these films. Even the nutcase (an amusing early performance from Elias Koteas) isn't quite as nuts as he appears. Thompson's performance is an equally unexpected work, as she manages to give the character shadings and emotions that aren't usually found in this kind of standard character. Masterson is also charming as the tomboy.
Still, it's not a film without some problems: the film succeeds because of its down-to-earth and grounded nature (making its characters feel even more real), but there's also some moments in the film where it becomes a little bit too low-key and even starts to drag out a bit. Still, "Some Kind of Wonderful" remains a very good effort from Deutch and Hughes - an enjoyable low-key drama that seems more sincere, involving and entertaining than most of the teen fare that gets released 15 years later.
The DVD
VIDEO: Paramount offers "Some Kind of Wonderful" with a new 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation. Jan Kiesser's cinematography maintains a noticably soft focus, but on the bright side, detail remains pleasant enough as the picture looks passably crisp. The print also looked to be in particularly good condition, as, aside from a hint or two of grain, no wear was apparent. Edge enhancement was also absent, lending the picture a clean, smooth and "film-like" appearance. Colors remained a bit on the subdued side, but still managed to seem fault-free and natural.
SOUND: Paramount offers a new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix for "Some Kind of Wonderful". While the effort by the studio is appreciated, there are certain things that I'd rather not hear in 5.1: dated-sounding scores to 80's teen comedy/dramas would probably be near the top of that list. Anyways, the audio is generally pleasant enough, with the largely dialogue-driven effort offering crisp and clear audio quality. Surrounds are essentially unused, aside from a few moments where they provide mild reinforcement for the score.
MENUS: Basic, non-animated main & sub-menus.
EXTRAS: Not a thing.
Final Thoughts: A cute romantic comedy with well-realized characters and sincere emotions, "Some Kind of Wonderful" may be a bit slow at points, but it's still a solid effort from all involved. Recommended for fans; those who haven't seen it and are interested should try a rent.
|
| Popular Reviews |
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Sponsored Links |
|
|
| Release List | Reviews | Shop | Newsletter | Forum | DVD Giveaways | Blu-Ray | Advertise |
|
Copyright 2024 DVDTalk.com All Rights Reserved. Legal Info, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use,
Manage Preferences,
Your Privacy Choices 
| |||||||