Not Suitable for Children Blu-ray Review

"Not Suitable for Children" is presented on Blu-ray by Well Go USA, featuring an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This digitally shot film delivers a moderately crisp image, but overall leans towards a softer visual presentation. The lighting appears naturally lit, particularly in dimly lit interior scenes, which often results in less than fulsome contrast. While close-ups reveal commendable fine detail—showing intricate skin imperfections and facial hair—the film lacks the visual 'pop' typically seen in high-caliber comedy productions.

The color grading varies throughout the film, with some scenes exhibiting aggressive coloration, such as Jonah's trip to the hospital articulated predominantly in blue tones. However, the majority of the film maintains natural and nicely saturated colors. Despite the subdued vibrancy, the image remains free from noticeable banding or artifacts. This attention to detail allows for a satisfactory viewing experience, although it falls short of a truly exceptional presentation. On the whole, while technically competent, the video transfer does not fully exploit the potential an HD medium can offer.

"Not Suitable for Children" presents a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that excels during its dynamic party sequences. These scenes vividly utilize all available channels, creating an immersive soundscape that places the listener in the midst of energetic festivities. The audio's fidelity is commendable, with clear, punchy source cues and an effective prioritization of both music and dialogue.

Despite the film's predominant focus on quieter, character-driven dialogue scenes, the audio mix remains remarkably effective. Dialogue is consistently centralized and crystal clear, free from any distortions such as hisses or cracks, ensuring an uncompromised listening experience. The dynamic range is largely contingent on the lively crowd scenes, which introduce noticeable shifts in amplitude and atmosphere.

Overall, although this indie film is mostly dialogue-centric, the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix delivers a surprisingly engaging auditory experience. The balance between calm conversational segments and vibrant party scenes is managed well, making for a sound design that enhances the film notably.

The extras on the "Not Suitable for Children" Blu-ray offer a comprehensive insight into the film's production, primarily through extended interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The Interviews feature provides nearly an hour of content, allowing fans to dive deeply into the perspectives of the director Peter Templeman, and main actors Ryan Kwanten, Ryan Corr, and Sarah Snook. The Behind the Scenes segment is a typical electronic press kit, showcasing a blend of interviews, on-set footage, and clips from the film. However, it lacks a deeper emotional connection. Additionally, the disc includes the film's trailer for a brief glimpse of what the movie has to offer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Extensive discussions with key production members.
• Behind the Scenes: Promotional content with interviews and filming snippets.
• Trailer: A concise preview of the film.

"Not Suitable for Children" ambitiously flips the typical biological clock narrative on its head by presenting a male protagonist, Jonah (Ryan Kwanten), grappling with a sudden fertility expiration date due to testicular cancer. The film, attempting a Judd Apatow-style comedy interlaced with dramatic elements, kicks off with Jonah’s diagnosis and his ensuing rush to father a child before losing fertility. While the setup offers a promising blend of humor and poignancy, the execution falters under an uneasy script that struggles to gel the comedic and dramatic tones effectively. The core premise, compounded by Jonah’s out-of-character quest for fatherhood, feels contrived and lacks sufficient emotional grounding, ultimately detracting from the film's ability to resonate deeply with its audience.

Commendably, the film's performances inject needed vitality into an otherwise lackluster narrative. Kwanten navigates Jonah with a disheveled charm, balancing humor and helplessness as he embarks on a frenetic journey through past and present relationships seeking a willing co-parent. Sarah Snook shines as Stevie, bringing warmth and depth to her role, despite it being confined within a predictable storyline. Ryan Corr adds stability with his solid portrayal of Gus. However, these strong performances cannot entirely compensate for the insufficiently developed script and overly convoluted plot progression.

The film’s initial potential is further undermined by its tendency towards convenient plot machinations and a rushed, anticlimactic conclusion that opts for easy resolutions over meaningful exploration of the protagonist's plight. The narrative’s promise of a Judd Apatow-esque blend of sweetness and coarseness remains largely unfulfilled, resulting in sporadic humor overshadowed by a predominantly bittersweet tone. Ultimately, while "Not Suitable for Children" benefits from engaging performances, its inability to convincingly balance its comedic aspirations with its more serious themes leaves it stranded in a curiously bland middle ground.

"Not Suitable for Children" is an ambitious film that attempts to balance comedic elements with heartfelt drama but ultimately falls short in both areas. The storyline revolves around Jonah's hedonistic lifestyle, which is upended by a cancer diagnosis, yet the treatment of his plight veers towards the morose rather than mining any considerable humor or emotional depth from the situation. While the actors, particularly Jason Kwanten, deliver engaging performances and some scenes manage to evoke genuine charm, the film lacks a strong script to capitalize on these strengths, resulting in a middling effort.

The film never quite achieves the dramatic tension nor the comedic highs necessary to solidify it firmly within either genre. Kwanten fans accustomed to his role in "True Blood" may appreciate his different portrayal here, but even they might find the uneven tone and weak ending a disappointment. The writing fails to elevate any single moment to a point of memorable impact, leaving viewers yearning for more substantial storytelling and a clearer narrative direction.

In conclusion, "Not Suitable for Children" teases with potential but remains mired in its script's shortcomings. The enjoyable cast performances are not enough to redeem the film's indecisive tone and lackluster climax. This Blu Ray edition might be worth a rental for Kwanten enthusiasts or those interested in the unique premise, but it does not hold enough weight for a more committed purchase.