Motherless Brooklyn (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner
 Release Date: January 28, 2020
 Rating: R
 Film: 3/5
 
 Plot
 Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely guarded secrets that hold the fate of New York in the balance. In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls of New York's power brokers, Lionel contends with thugs, corruption and the most dangerous man in the city to honor his friend and save the woman who might be his own salvation.
 
 My Thoughts
 Norton not only starred in this film, he also wrote and directed it. It was his second time in the director’s chair, but his first screenplay that was adapted from the book by Jonathan Lethem, although the time period was reset to the 1950s. Overall, it’s a mixed bag. The acting is excellent, but the screenplay has a lot of moving parts and can get a tad confusing—a second viewing would probably fix the latter. Regardless, it was a bit long at 144 minutes and there are segments that could have been tightened up a bit. The Golden Globe nominated score is excellent and was probably my favorite aspect of the film followed closely by Norton’s performance.   
  
 Video 4.5/5 
 
 Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 7.1)
 
 Special Features:

• Making-Of: Edward Norton’s Methodical Process
• Commentary with Director Edward Norton
• Deleted Scenes
• Blu-ray+ Digital Copy

 

 Conclusion
 There is a lot to like about this film—the sets, costumes, music, and acting—its only real downfall are the cluttered screenplay and pacing. After watching the trailer, my expectations for the film were quite high so maybe that’s why I found it somewhat middling and a second viewing somewhere down the line will change my opinion a bit. That being said, it’s definitely worth watching and I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on the film.  
 
 Reference Review System:
  
 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 110” 2.35:1 Fixed Screen
 Anthem AVM60 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-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
 JL Audio Fathom F110 Subwoofers x 2 (stacked)
JL Audio Dominion D110 Subwoofer x 2 (stacked)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[AVSCraig]

I'm looking forward to this, and should have it in a week or so. People with Tourette Syndrome have commented that this is a realistic portrayal of that condition ( for once ). 

[AVSCraig]

This just arrived today ! 

[AVSCraig]

My wife and I finally got a chance to watch this last weekend. We both loved it, but I do agree it needs a 2nd viewing and maybe a tad long. The soundtrack was outstanding! 

[Paul Heroy]

I need to see this. I'm a big jazz fan so that element will add a star all by itself, for me. 

[bmoney]

Added to the queue. 

[bmoney]

watched this last night. agreed good not great.  but a second viewing might make it better.  i did enjoy it though