AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on November 06, 2019, 02:55:02 PM
-
(https://i.imgur.com/flgRrNR.jpg)
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
Plot
Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN is a heart-warming tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his unique insight into the human condition, Enzo helps his owners — race car driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), his wife Eve (Amanda Seyfried) and daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) — navigate life with a refreshing perspective on friendship, family and unconditional love.
My Thoughts
My wife bought me this book as a Christmas gift a few years ago and I really enjoyed it, but I never conceived that it would be made into a feature film. The critics didn’t like it very much with only 43% approving, but its Rottentomatoes audience score is 96%, which I definitely agree with the audience on this one. Is it perfect? No, but it will pull on your emotional heartstrings, especially if you have a dog as a pet (or any pet for that matter) and kids. I was particularly impressed with how the screenplay was able to capture the tone and tenor of the book.
The Blu-ray features a particularly sharp video encode with bright colors—especially Ferrari Red—inky blacks, and strong depth. The audio track is pedestrian in nature and rarely calls attention to itself outside of a few race scenes and the score.
Video 4.5/5
Audio 4/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- A Journey to Screen
- Directing the Art
- Enzo Cam
- Behind the Wheel
- The Dog Strays in the Picture
- Enso’s First Ride
- Audio Commentary
- Blu-ray+ Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2ufFO4QGg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp2ufFO4QGg)
Conclusion
I don’t get the harsh criticism thrown at this film from the critics. Sure, it’s a tad melodramatic but it tells a great story of love, loss, and fulfilling one’s dreams. Just be sure to have some Tissues nearby when you watch it because if it doesn’t make you shed a tear, it’s time to go see a therapist—you’re emotionally stunted. Highly recommend.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays (https://portrait.com/))
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Anthem AVM60 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed ChannelsATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-980
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (configured as tandem mid bass modules)
Mini DSP controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner