AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on June 02, 2023, 01:59:28 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/j2pAsHH.jpg)
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: June 6, 2023
Rating: R
Film: 4/5
Plot
Chance leads Yury Orlov to discover his one talent—illegal arms dealing. With his brother’s help, he reaches the top of his trade, supplying anyone whose check clears. His skills and quick wits bring him everything he’s ever wanted—and help him elude a persistent Interpol agent. But at the peak of his prowess, he discovers his customers might demand more than he can give…an those he’s trying to protect could become deadly liabilities.
My Thoughts
This was a movie that I never got to see during its release in 2005 but I was able to finally see it when it was released on UHD about four years ago. The story is loosely based on a real-life Russian gun runner Viktor Bout, who became the go-to source for guns to despots all around the world. Cage plays his usual persona here (he doesn’t have much range as an actor) as an American immigrant who decides that life in the family restaurant isn’t in the cards for him. He decides that he wants to be a big-time gun runner and you have to give him some credit for meeting his goal.
The movie is much funnier than one would think and has plenty of good one-liners. My biggest gripe with the film has to do with gratuitous nudity, that really didn’t need to be in there. The first time I watched it was with my wife, mother, and mother-in-law, which was somewhat uncomfortable, but this time I was prepared for it and didn’t have a full house. I still feel the movie is about 10 minutes too long and the third act drags a little, but Cage doesn’t disappoint.
The audio and video are very good, but don’t really meet the criteria for a reference disc. The video is a tad dark at times with some minor crushing of blacks and the color palette doesn’t lend itself to WCG, other than there’s a lot of blood. The Dolby Atmos has some decent moments with some explosions and active surrounds.
Video 8/10 (AVC)
Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Andrew Niccoi
- “The Making of Lord of War” Featurette
- “Making a Killing: Inside the International Arms Trade” Featurette
- Deleted Scenes
- Best Buy Exclusive Steelbook
- Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXgyoER0aRc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXgyoER0aRc)
Conclusion
Eisenhower warned us about the military industrial complex, and he was right to do so. War has become a huge business around the world and there’s no profit in peace. The end of the cold war spurned a boom in business for anyone looking to unload weapons on the black market and this film gives a glimpse behind that dark curtain. Recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
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
SVS SB3000
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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Good film. They just traded that guy for the basketball player Russia arrested for weed if I recall. I have the 4K disc and I look forward to watching this again.
You need to preview movies before watching them with your wife, mother, and mother-in-law, if they don't like nudity. I once took my parents to see Frank Zappa's " 200 Motels " at a theater in Hollywood. ::)