Down To Earth

When this film was being made, somewhere sat a highly paid Hollywood executive, with his feet up on the desk and a self-satisfied look on his face because he thought his suggestion that Chris Rock play a comedian in his next film was right up there with the discovery of fire. Now, that executive is probably asking people "You want fries with that, sir?".

Chris Rock playing a comedian? That's actually a bigger stretch for him than you might think, because even though Chris Rock is supposed to be a comedian he hasn't been very funny in anything I've seen him in. So anyway, this comedian is trying to get a coveted spot at the closing night of a comedy club when he is hit by a truck. Film over, you say? Best ending ever? Sadly, it's not to be. Unfortunately he went before his time, so he is sent back to Earth in the body of freshly killed rich fat old white guy (Cue: much cross racial hilarity - not.) and must try to continue on with his old plans of getting a spot at the show, dealing with the rich guy's problems (cheating wife, scheming assistant) and getting the girl of his dreams, while having the soul of a hip young black guy in the body of a despised old white guy.

For a self-described romantic comedy, I saw very little of either. The problem is that Chris Rock couldn't act to save his life and the chemistry between him and the woman is non-existent, so the romance caper side of things takes a nose-dive. So you'd think that there'd be lots of comedy to make up for this, what with him being a comedian and all? Sadly, 'tis not to be, for his comedy and one-liners are nothing more more than sub-Seinfeld observations. Worst of all (asides from the criminally wasted Eugene Levy and Chazz Palmenteri), Rock's annoying voice sounds like he's taking a dump while speaking, and a big bad painful dump at that.

As ordinary as the film is, the picture quality is very good, with a clear and clean 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement. The case incorrectly states it is 2.35:1. Mistakes have been made, heads will have rolled, life as we know it shall go on. Get over it. Error aside, the picture is very good though, with oodles of crisp detail showing this lame flick in its best possible light. It all looks new and fresh with some fine colouring, and only one or two scenes have clearly visible grain, but these scenes only last a few seconds each and aren't too distracting. Unlike the film, I can't really fault the picture, so I won't.

You get a pick of Dolby Digital 2.0 surround or 5.1, and I obviously picked 5.1. But then with this film, I don't think you'll be missing much with the 2.0 mix, as being a romantic comedy there's not terribly much happening either way. Dialogue is nice and forward, distinguishing itself from everything else on screen and making Rock's comedy (or lack thereof) crystal clear. The soundtrack gets a bit of backing with some good bass, but whether the music is your scene is another thing entirely. Generally the whole effort is bright and easygoing and certain to satisfy.

Just the two features on this DVD, a trailer and a short behind the scenes featurette. Have a geez and move along, your time is better spent elsewhere.

Can't really say that this film is anything above "bloody ordinary" at best and perhaps dipping down to "why did they even bother?" at its worst. As a DVD, the picture and sound are both very good, and the extras limp. Can't imagine anyone other than Chris Rock fans taking a shine to this one, if there are any fans of his in Australia. If you're just perusing the video stores looking for comedy titles to watch, I'd suggest you give this one a miss and maybe spend the money on beer and pizza instead.