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Running Mates
List Price: Unknown [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
I suppose that "Running Mates" continues to be a timely film, as the current race for president doesn't seem like it will be settled anytime soon. This film was originally broadcast on TNT, and as I watched it, I found myself highly entertained by its view of running for office. Although it's no "Wag The Dog", "Running Mates" is a smart, light comedy starring Tom Selleck as a senator who's running for office who has some obstacles to face.
At 90 minutes, I almost wanted to the film to be longer so it could give greater depth to some of the supporting characters. Again, the film stars Tom Selleck as Michigan Governor James Reynolds Pryce, and the film's focus is the behind-the-scenes work leading up to who will be his running mate. His army of supporters include campaign manager Lauren(Laura Linney), wife Jenny(Nancy Travis) and the fashionable Hollywood-connected Shawna(Teri Hatcher).
The film works best when it sticks to politics, and begins to fall rather flat when it goes elsewhere towards comedy or drama. It doesn't really have many deep thoughts about the state of politics, but lightly snaps at some of the events and "showbiz"-style PR work that goes on in a campaign. Since the film doesn't really go for tough shots, it's good that actors like Linney, Selleck, Bob Gunton and others give their all in their roles.
All-in-all, "Running Mates" is a light political comedy/drama that is rather thin at 90 minutes, but succeeds due to the skills of its cast.
The DVD
VIDEO: Warner Brothers provides a very respectable anamorphic transfer for "Running Mates" in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. At times it looks just good; occasionally, there are scenes that really look great. Sharpness is a little off at times as some scenes look soft, but most scenes are sharp and detailed with good clarity.
The only flaw that I really noticed was a couple of instances where minor speckles appear on the print used. These are hardly distracting and very brief. I didn't notice any instances of shimmering or pixelation, and the absence of those makes for a very pleasant looking picture. It's often not a terribly colorful looking film, but colors that are presented look natural and clean.
Overall, it's an example that the very good work that Warner Brothers is doing with their major releases also is visible on their smaller titles. A few minor instances of softness and speckles is all that takes away from an otherwise very nice presentation.
SOUND: "Running Mates" is presented in Dolby 2.0; the film occasionally offers some fine sounding music, but dialogue is the main focus for the majority of the movie, and thankfully, it sounds clear and easily understood.
MENUS:: Menus are non-animated, with very basic images serving as backgrounds.
EXTRAS: Trailer and cast/crew bios.
Final Thoughts: I liked the looks at politics in "Running Mates", even if they weren't always totally realistic. The cast gives fine performances, as well. There are some minor problems with the 90 minute movie, but I thought the majority of it was entertaining. Warner's DVD provides good picture quality, but average audio and almost no supplemental features. "Running Mates" gets a recommendation, although a light one. Warner Brothers offers the disc at a nice price - $19.99, and should be found for lower at most stores.
I suppose that "Running Mates" continues to be a timely film, as the current race for president doesn't seem like it will be settled anytime soon. This film was originally broadcast on TNT, and as I watched it, I found myself highly entertained by its view of running for office. Although it's no "Wag The Dog", "Running Mates" is a smart, light comedy starring Tom Selleck as a senator who's running for office who has some obstacles to face.
At 90 minutes, I almost wanted to the film to be longer so it could give greater depth to some of the supporting characters. Again, the film stars Tom Selleck as Michigan Governor James Reynolds Pryce, and the film's focus is the behind-the-scenes work leading up to who will be his running mate. His army of supporters include campaign manager Lauren(Laura Linney), wife Jenny(Nancy Travis) and the fashionable Hollywood-connected Shawna(Teri Hatcher).
The film works best when it sticks to politics, and begins to fall rather flat when it goes elsewhere towards comedy or drama. It doesn't really have many deep thoughts about the state of politics, but lightly snaps at some of the events and "showbiz"-style PR work that goes on in a campaign. Since the film doesn't really go for tough shots, it's good that actors like Linney, Selleck, Bob Gunton and others give their all in their roles.
All-in-all, "Running Mates" is a light political comedy/drama that is rather thin at 90 minutes, but succeeds due to the skills of its cast.
The DVD
VIDEO: Warner Brothers provides a very respectable anamorphic transfer for "Running Mates" in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. At times it looks just good; occasionally, there are scenes that really look great. Sharpness is a little off at times as some scenes look soft, but most scenes are sharp and detailed with good clarity.
The only flaw that I really noticed was a couple of instances where minor speckles appear on the print used. These are hardly distracting and very brief. I didn't notice any instances of shimmering or pixelation, and the absence of those makes for a very pleasant looking picture. It's often not a terribly colorful looking film, but colors that are presented look natural and clean.
Overall, it's an example that the very good work that Warner Brothers is doing with their major releases also is visible on their smaller titles. A few minor instances of softness and speckles is all that takes away from an otherwise very nice presentation.
SOUND: "Running Mates" is presented in Dolby 2.0; the film occasionally offers some fine sounding music, but dialogue is the main focus for the majority of the movie, and thankfully, it sounds clear and easily understood.
MENUS:: Menus are non-animated, with very basic images serving as backgrounds.
EXTRAS: Trailer and cast/crew bios.
Final Thoughts: I liked the looks at politics in "Running Mates", even if they weren't always totally realistic. The cast gives fine performances, as well. There are some minor problems with the 90 minute movie, but I thought the majority of it was entertaining. Warner's DVD provides good picture quality, but average audio and almost no supplemental features. "Running Mates" gets a recommendation, although a light one. Warner Brothers offers the disc at a nice price - $19.99, and should be found for lower at most stores.
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