Gigi & Nate (Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: LionsGate
Release Date: November 15, 2022
Rating:PG-13
Film:  4/5

Plot
In this uplifting drama inspired by actual events, Nate (Charlie Rowe) suffers a near-fatal illness and is left a quadriplegic just weeks before departing for college. As Nate tries to adjust to his new life challenges, his mother (Oscar^® winner Marcia Gay Harden) helps him bring home an unlikely service animal, Gigi — a curious and intelligent capuchin monkey. Nate and Gigi form an unbreakable bond, but when it’s threatened by a group trying to outlaw capuchins, Nate’s family rallies behind him to help him regain what he needs most: hope.

My Thoughts
Okay, I admit it, I’m a sucker for any movie that stars a capuchin monkey. In fact, the same can be said for a TV show. I was originally drawn to “Friends” because of the capuchin monkey that was Ross’ pet in the first season, so once I saw the cover art for this film, I knew I’d have to request it.

Thankfully, the movie delivers in almost every aspect. My wife and I sat down to watch it completely blind about the story—we didn’t even watch the trailer. The film starts off a bit slow as we get to know Nate but once the dramatic elements of the story kick-in, get ready for an emotional ride. The story is loosely based on a true story, which helps keep the film grounded in reality, but I have to say that the monkey stole the show!

**There's a sequence in the film where subtitles click "on" for a moment and then turn "off." It's for two lines of dialog.**

Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
Audio 4/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)

Special Features:

• Photo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer
• Digital Copy

Conclusion
Rotten Tomatoes critical reviews trashed this film in an unjust way with a 16% favorability rating, but 95% of audiences liked it, which is about as big of spread as you’ll see between the two metrics. Regardless, put me in the camp of enjoying the film. I found the story heartwarming and emotionally impactful. Furthermore, did I mention there’s capuchin monkey in the story? Highly recommended.


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