AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on October 15, 2022, 01:41:26 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/Icm607n.jpg)
Studio: Universal
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Rating: R
Film: 3/5
Plot
Recently widowed father Dr. Nate Samuels (Idris Elba) returns to South Africa with his two daughters Meredith (Iyana Halley; Wayward, “This Is Us”) and Norah (Leah Jeffries; “Rel,” Faith Under Fire) to visit an old friend, Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley; “Russian Doll,” Ted K) on a game reserve. What begins as a journey of healing turns into a fearsome fight for survival as his family find themselves hunted by a massive, rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator.
My Thoughts
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this one. I generally enjoy Elba’s roles and he does a pretty good job carrying this film, but the story is very predictable and you pretty much know from the outset what’s going to happen from a broader sense and who the “red shirt” is from the beginning. Like most films in this genre, the terrorized will do some head-scratching things along the way or else there wouldn’t be much drama. Regardless, the pacing is great and does as much as it can with its 93-minute runtime.
The presentation is quite good with plenty of detail. Sadly, the audio track isn’t Atmos or DTS:X, but at least there’s a discrete 7.1 mix that does a good job of placing objects throughout the room.
Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 7.1)
Special Features:
- Deleted Scene
- Man vs. Lion: The Final Battle
- Creating The Beast
- Making it Real: The Wounds
- Filming in The Beast’s Territory
- Family Bond: The Cas of The Beast
- A Lion’s Pride
- Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biNvhewrsw4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biNvhewrsw4)
Conclusion
I was somewhat surprised to see that 77% of the audiences enjoyed this film. I guess you could put me in that group, but just barely. It doesn’t break any new ground for the genre, but due to its relatively short runtime the pacing is excellent and the film never drags. If you’re a fan of the genre, be sure to check it out.
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)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
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
JL Audio F110 (X2 co-located and bridged as one sub)
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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Greetings,
Meh. This one got two stars from me. I am an Idris Elba fan but, there simply wasn't enough story to make the banality tolerable.
Nice review Dave!
Regards,