Mr. Right Blu-ray Review

The 1080p Blu-ray transfer for "Mr. Right" presents a mixed bag of visual elements, creating an overall experience that can be fairly described as slightly above average but notably inconsistent. The digital source material showcases colors that are notably punchy and vibrant, with a wide color gamut lending some scenes an appealing intensity. However, this digital origin also translates to common artifacts like noise spikes and macroblocking, which become increasingly apparent during extended viewing. The presentation retains a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, and while details can be satisfying, they fall short of the excellence expected from high-quality Blu-ray transfers. Clothing definition varies drastically, and flesh tones shift unnaturally, appearing too warm or inconsistently pale and red. Facial details similarly fluctuate, from basic definition to an unnaturally smooth appearance.

One of the most striking issues is the inconsistency in black levels and skin tones throughout the movie. Black levels consistently push too bright and occasionally turn purple, while skin tones waver due to varying color temperatures across different scenes. This inconsistency is partly due to the film’s tendency to oscillate between cool-toned and warm-toned visuals, leading to erratic facial colorations. Additionally, aliasing was noted during horizontal and vertical pan shots of buildings, compromising the overall image's smoothness. Despite fewer dark scenes helping mitigate noise concerns, these factors collectively detract from what could have been a standout visual presentation.

While "Mr. Right" does offer some eye-catching moments courtesy of its vibrant color palette, much of its potential is undermined by these persistent technical flaws. The end result is a transfer that, while serviceable for most viewers, leaves much to be desired when compared to top-tier Blu-ray releases.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack of "Mr. Right" provides a semi-immersive auditory experience that adequately enhances the film's action sequences and overall atmosphere. While it might fall short of current top-tier standards, the audio quality manages to hold its own in several critical aspects. The soundtrack shines particularly during gunfire exchanges, where sound effects dynamically engage the rear speakers, lending a sense of spatial depth. Additional elements like shattering glass and other chaotic moments balance well with front-heavy action scenes, though atmospheric effects such as barroom chatter and outdoor dialogue exchanges help fill the sonic landscape on occasion.

Musical elements, including Aaron Zigman's score and various tunes sprinkled throughout the movie, are rendered clearly and enjoyably on this lossless track. However, during quieter moments, such as the portrayal of a significant rainstorm towards the film's climax, the surround channels provide more subtle support rather than achieving full immersion. Dialogue prioritization remains consistently clear and predominantly anchored at the front-center, though there are moments when voices emanate from the rear speakers to create a nuanced audio scene. Despite lacking in some areas of surround saturation, the track is free from any technical glitches or dropouts and maintains a balanced mix even amidst the most intense action sequences.

While "Mr. Right" may not feature an audio track that sets new benchmarks in immersive sound design, it successfully caters to the movie's needs with dependable clarity and defined spatial dynamics. Subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French, adding to the accessibility of this release.

The Blu-ray release of "Mr. Right" contains a modest but insightful supplement, highlighting Anna Kendrick's reflections on film fundamentals. This short feature provides an engaging yet brief look into key moments and character insights, though its brevity leaves much to be desired.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Sweet Couple: Anna Kendrick discusses the plot and character dynamics with interspersed movie clips.

"Mr. Right" is a distinctive blend of romance and action that strives to fuse the whimsical with the intense but often misfires due to its overabundance of quirky humor and stilted dialogue. Directed by Paco Cabezas and written by Max Landis, the film introduces audiences to Martha McCay (Anna Kendrick), a heartbroken woman who stumbles into the life of Francis (Sam Rockwell), an eccentric assassin with a unique code of ethics. Their chemistry is palpable, bolstered by sharp, albeit sometimes awkward, banter that highlights their unconventional connection. However, the relentless pursuit of humor in every scene saturates the narrative with forced gags and one-liners, overshadowing genuinely funny moments and turning what could have been clever into a comedic overkill.

The plot’s premise—a hitman targeting those who commission hits—provides an intriguing twist on familiar themes seen in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Grosse Pointe Blank," and "True Lies." Despite this, "Mr. Right" fails to elevate the genre, relying heavily on conversations that spiral into comedic attempts that often miss their mark. The action sequences, interspersed with quirky dialogue, lack the tension and excitement required to engage viewers fully. Notably, RZA's portrayal as a shotgun-wielding character offers sporadic, genuine humor in contrast to the repetitive antics of the leads. The supporting cast, including Tim Roth’s underutilized villain and the indistinct adversaries played by James Ransone and Anson Mount, fail to inject substantial menace or intrigue into the story.

Despite its shortcomings in direction and plot execution, "Mr. Right" shines in moments showcasing Kendrick's and Rockwell's undeniable chemistry. Their engaging, albeit shambolic romance provides an enjoyable dynamic against a backdrop of otherwise ordinary action-comedy tropes. While the film’s uneven tone and overemphasis on quirks might split audiences' opinions, those willing to navigate through the less inspired segments may find entertainment value in the lead actors’ vibrant performances. Though not a resounding success, "Mr. Right" might still merit a watch for fans of the genre seeking something slightly offbeat.

Mr. Right shows a few flashes of potential. The cast is certainly there—Rockwell, Kendrick, Tim Roth, and RZA are certainly not slouches—but the script lets them down. Even their considerable acting chops can't save the movie from itself. It's just too much. Anytime a scene, never mind an entire movie, feels like it's trying too hard to be funny and hip, there's no saving it. A few moments escape and feel organically humorous, but generally speaking, it's all so forced that it would take a Jedi to save it. Universal's Blu-ray release of Mr. Right features passable but problematic video, a fair but hardly enticing lossless soundtrack, and one minute-long extra. Rent it.

'Mr. Right' is a fun little film that may have been a whole lot more entertaining had it nixed many of the action sequences and just focused on the interchange between stars Sam Rockwell and Anna Kendrick. They're the real reason to check out this movie, although I suspect many may find the plot and proceedings too uneven. At the very least, it's worth a rental to see if you love it or loath it.

"Mr. Right" features an intriguing cast that includes the versatile Sam Rockwell and the ever-charming Anna Kendrick, yet this promising lineup is ultimately undermined by a script that attempts too hard to be both comedic and edgy. While Rockwell and Kendrick bring their trademark chemistry and wit to the screen, the disjointed plot and forced humor hinder the film's overall effectiveness. Despite sporadic moments of genuine amusement and cleverness, much of it feels artificially constructed.

The technical quality of Universal’s Blu-ray release is passable but far from perfect. The video presentation, while generally acceptable, displays some inconsistencies that detract from the viewing experience. Likewise, the lossless soundtrack is adequate but lacks the immersive quality that enthusiasts expect from high-definition home media. The scant selection of extras, notably a singular one-minute featurette, further limits the appeal of this release.

In conclusion, "Mr. Right" struggles to balance its comedic aspirations with an overly ambitious script, resulting in a film that is more frustrating than fun. While Rockwell and Kendrick's performances are highlights, they aren't enough to overcome the movie's inherent flaws. The Blu-ray release follows suit with competent but unremarkable technical aspects and minimal supplemental content. This one is best suited for a rental rather than a purchase.