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Puppy
R1 - America - MPI Home Video Review written by and copyright: Jeremiah Chin (17th October 2008). |
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The Film
 For every 10 or so ‘quirky’ romantic comedies that try to put a spin on relationships with some approach that simply goes back after the formula, there’s one independent romantic(ish)-comedy(ish) that throws in some completely bizarre aspect. Sometimes it works in ways, like in “Secretary” (2005) that took the bizarre element to a new level with the strangely funny and compelling performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Other times, the bizarre twist falls flat like “Watching the Detective’s” attempted use of cult film. Of course there’s also the third category where it just hovers between good and bad, long enough to keep you watching the film to it’s conclusion, as is the case with the Australian made “Puppy” (2005), written and directed by Kieran Galvin. Elizabeth (Nadia Townsend) lives with her sister and brother in law and is drawn to near compulsive lying that gets her in trouble with the family, well that and cheating with her brother in law. After getting kicked out of the house, Liz tries to kill herself in her car and passes out, only to be saved and then abducted by a tow truck driver, Aiden (Bernard Curry), who has been following her. Aiden reveals that he believes her to be his wife Helen, who apparently left him some time ago. As times goes on it becomes more obvious that Aiden isn’t quite there mentally, and Liz plays along with Aiden’s game for a time until he accidently kills a doctor trying to help the kidnapped Liz. Yet through the time of her kidnapping, Liz has developed an odd affection for Aiden. The story fairly well paced and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome too long, though I could have done with it ending a few minutes earlier as the ending of the last couple of minutes seem a little too cheesy and unnecessary. Liz’s characterization is good and Townsend does a great portrayal, however the development and shift in the characters comes too fast across the board. Aiden especially does a dramatic change that, while explained in the film, isn’t pulled off quite that well. It makes sense in the context of the story, but just doesn’t leave enough time for the character twist to settle in completely and grow with the viewer. For the most part, Galvin’s script is a nice story that’s fairly watchable, but doesn’t go beyond the nice level into any sort of intrigue or real immersion into the characters and story. Everything is only compelling as it needs to be to get to the next scene and see the movie to conclusion, but nothing really sticks with you. Galvin’s directing is fairly the same, there’s some really good usse of lighting in some of the night or day scenes. Much of the camera movement though is fairly plain and just gets the job done, not going anything above or below the necessary. According to the box the film was filmed in 20 days on $250,000 and is a fairly good product for that kind of speed and money as the story and context don’t really need a huge budget. Overall, "Puppy" is a fairly mediocre presentation that’s worth following to the conclusion once watching, but not a definite must see. The actors’ performances are good, but not astounding, same with the directing, writing and just about everything else. It’s enjoyable enough to watch all the way through once, but after that’s all said and done, I’m not sure it could stand the test of repeat viewings.
Video
Presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio, the transfer on “Puppy” looks good. I already mentioned the lighting which comes through well; the colors all look good on screen as well. However visually the film doesn’t have a ton of movement, but the lighting and feel of the movie keep it together and there’s no gaping flaws in the transfer that take it down.
Audio
In terms of sound, the only audio offered is an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track that sounds okay, but fairly flat. The music and sound help out with the tone of the movie, but just kind of follow the mood that’s trying to be on screen rather than enhance the experience or make it more memorable. There’s no real sound drop out in the transfer and the levels sound fine, but the fact that there are no subtitles or higher quality audio tracks is disappointing.
Extras
There are no extras whatsoever on the disc, not even a startup trailer.
Overall
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