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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 2.35:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • English: Dolby Digital Stereo
  Subtitles
  • None
  Extras
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Behind the scenes footage
  • 9 Interviews

Welcome to Collinwood (Rental)

Magna/Magna . R4 . COLOR . 93 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

George Clooney and Steve Soderbergh got together to produce this remake of the highly successful Italian comedy I Soliti Ignoti (Big Deal on Madonna Street) with interesting results. Set in the rundown town of Collinwood in Cleveland, this hapless bunch of characters bungle their way through a robbery that should be a piece of cake. The film is said to be a comedy; there's such a fine line between comedy and crap it seems. That is getting ahead of the storyline though, so we shall begin at the beginning.

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Welcoming!

Cosimo (Luis Guzman) is out with his friend Toto (Michael Jeter) attempting to steal a car. Not being the best criminal minds ever assembled, they are soon confronted by a patrolling police car. Toto manages to escape, but Cosimo is arrested and put in prison. While sharing a cell with a “lifer” he finds out about an easy job that could set him up for life, a Bellini in fact (this is some fort of slang for the ultimate job). The “lifer” gives up the story knowing that he will never be able to carry it out himself. There is one small problem for Cosimo though, he is locked up as well so needs to get off his grand theft auto charge to commit the Bellini. He needs a Mulinski to get him out (more slang for someone to take the wrap for him) and he offers $15,000 for someone to do as much. To find a Mulinski, Toto and Cosimo’s fiancée Rosalind (Patricia Clarkson) must ask around. They approach Basil (Andrew Davoli), who refuses, but suggests Leon (Isaiah Washington), who also refuses but suggests Riley (William H. Macy), who, yes you guessed it, refuses but recommends the perfect Mulinski Pero (Sam Rockwell). He actually agrees, however the problem now is that there are many more involved, meaning the Belini must be shared. Last of all they need a safe expert and call upon the talents of Jerzy (George Clooney) who wants payment up front and no further involvement.

The plan is now in place and Pero duly confesses to Cosimo’s crime. Simple enough you may think, but this is where things turn. This gang of wannabe thieves are completely useless when it comes to the fine art of theft. Disaster after disaster ensures that this is not going to be an easy job.

George Clooney and Steve Soderbergh wanted this film to be the poor cousin of Ocean's Eleven, recreating a major robbery but instead of the glitz, glamour and precision of that bigger-budgeted flick, they wanted it to focus on bumbling criminals who are down on their luck. The leading characters here are criminals because they have to be, they are struggling to rub two cents together and need cash any way they can get it. One character actually needs the money to get his wife out of prison to help raise their child. The fact that Ocean's Eleven was a group of talented criminals that did jobs as much for pleasure as for reward proves how different these characters are.

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The usual suspects?

Directed by the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joseph, relative newcomers to Hollywood, this comedy will not suit everyone’s taste. The film is very different to the standard format of comedies churned out by Hollywood and for that the majority of us are grateful, but does this work? Film and, in particular, the comedy genre can best be summarised as a matter of taste as to whether something is funny or not. In this reviewer’s opinion, this is far from being funny but perhaps I am missing something. The disasters are predictable, repetitive and not really amusing in any way. Then again, many may view this film and laugh hysterically, it all equates to differing senses of humour.

Not to be too negative, there are many pluses to this film. The cast are all strong actors and suit their characters well. The way the film is shot is also impressive as it captures the feel of this downtrodden lifestyle superbly. Overall the film does ooze quality, but the viewing public these days demand more than a film that just looks good and has capable actors, it needs to also entertain and this really doesn’t. Quite frankly, if this film hadn’t have had the backing of Soderbergh and Clooney and a substantial appearance from the latter, it would have gone no further than the festival circuit.

  Video
Contract

Welcome to Collinwood is presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and is 16:9 enhanced. The image is quite impressive, with few defects throughout apart from the odd outbreak of edge enhancement. It captures the feel that was intended beautifully, delivering a gritty feel that instantly tells you it is more an independent release rather than a Hollywood blockbuster. Colours are true with impressive black levels and terrific shadow detail. There is no issue with grain of any note and film artefacts and aliiasing are both welcome absentees. Surprisingly there are no subtitles supplied, however dialogue is generally understandable.

  Audio
Contract

Audio is supplied in a choice of Dolby Digital stereo and DD 5.1 surround and both are sufficient for this dialogue-driven film. The surround mix is kept primarily across the front channels as it is mostly dialogue on offer, but the rear speakers are called into action occasionally in a subtle way. The rather annoying, whimsical musical score is supplied by Mark Mothersbaugh, originally a member of Devo, and although this silent movie type backing track is annoying, it is reasonably well suited to the film and it's evident that the intention was to add a lighthearted feel. As is the case with the humour in the film, though, this is of course a matter of opinion and many may enjoy this musical score.

  Extras
Contract

The extras for this release are not too numerous. First up there's a theatrical trailer, which is always a welcome addition to any release. Next is a behind the scenes featurette that runs for 13:55 and simply shows many of the scenes being shot. It is a great look behind the scenes, although some sort of commentary would have been good here. Lastly there's a collection of interviews with many of the cast and crew. Running time varies greatly with the shortest one being just over one minute long and the longest running for over six minutes. They cover all sorts of subjects relating to the film and are with William H. Macy, Isaiah Washington, Sam Rockwell, Luis Guzman, Patricia Clarkson, Andrew Davoli, Anthony & Joe Russo, Steven Soderbergh and Ben Cosgrove.

  Overall  
Contract

Overall this really is a film that will appeal to some, but certainly not to all. If you are willing to try something new and different then by all means give this one a look. If, however, you are expecting a riotous comedy then you will more than likely be disappointed. Picture and sound quality are of a high standard and although the extras are minimal, they are of decent quality. It all boils down to taste and this film will leave a sour taste for many, but there are certainly many out there that will enjoy it, the choice is yours as to whether you take the risk.


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      And I quote...
    "This is a comedy – apparently!"
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Sony DVP-NS305
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Sony STR-DE685
    • Speakers:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Centre Speaker:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Surrounds:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Subwoofer:
          Sony SAVE815ED
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