Bowfinger
review by Zach B.
Rated: PG-13
Studio: Universal
Running Time: 97 Minutes
Starring Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Heather Graham,
Christine Baranski, Terrance Stamp
Written by Steve Martin
Directed by Frank Oz
Retail Price: $26.99
Features: Commentary with Director Frank Oz, Spotlight
On Location Featurette, Deleted Scenes, Outtakes, Theatrical
Trailer, Universal Showcase, Production Notes, Cast and Crew
Bios, DVD-ROM: Weblinks
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1
English, DTS 5.1 English, Dolby Surround French, English
Subtitles, Chapter Search
Frank Oz and Steve Martin re-teaming together to make a
satire about Hollywood? With Eddie Murphy and Heather
Graham? Huzzah! I do admit I did have my doubts about this
film when seeing previews for it, despire the good looking
premise, but after seeing it myself I can safely say that
Bowfinger is a really enjoyable comedy (I did see it in the
theater and loved it).
Steve Martin plays Bobby Bowfinger, a struggling
produce/director in Hollywood. His office is in his cozy Los
Angeles home and at the age of 49 he hasn't gotten too far.
But after reading his accountant's script, entitled "Chubby
Rain" about aliens who come to earth in raindrops therefore
making the drops chubby, he vows to make the film (and get
an ever so important FedEX, heehee). With small funding and
with some friends who work on the bad side of the business,
Bowfinger is about to make his movie after skillfully
talking to a hot-shot executive. There's just one problem.
He said he'd get Kit Ramsey, the most famous and biggest
action star in Hollywood (played by Eddie Murphy who's
simply brilliant, his best since Beverly Hills Cop) to star
in his movie. But Kit rejects Bowfinger.
Soon these Hollywood wannabes (which also include a diva
with no big break yet, a pretty girl who has intercourse
with everyone, the accoutant screenwriter, a personal
assistant and some Mexicans who know everything about movies
and editing) are out to make their film. However, with
direction from Bowfinger, they go up to Kit and the actors
say their lines and film him without his knowledge. Kit soon
becomes paranoid about the people who are following him
around and saying the strange things. Soon Kit can't be
found, so they hire Jiff, his brother (also played by
Murphy) to the rest of Kit's scene. And from then on
everything is even more hilarious.
Bowfinger wasn't what I was expecting, but I still highly
enjoyed it and liked it better then what I thought it was.
Martin's brilliant script and Oz's directing (I think Oz is
the best comedy director out there) work so well together,
and the acting is great, some of the best I've seen in a
comedy in a long time (especially from Murphy).
I don't think a lot of people will get a lot of the jokes
in "Bowfinger", since they take shots at Hollywood and the
whole industry, but for those who are familiar with the
movie business (such as myself) the pay off is great. There
are so many hilarious moments in Bowfinger and so many great
lines, but I think one of the best parts was the ending.
Don't miss Bowfinger, see it all costs. This DVD release is
another excellent Universal release, despite the fact it is
not a "Collector's Edition".
A really sharp transfer from Universal. Presented in
anamorphic widescreen of an aspect ratio of 1.85:1,
Bowfinger features some strong colors, a good black level
and really nice detail. There is some slight edge
enhancment, but there is quite a few pieces of grain and
artifacts. Still, the overall effect is sure to please.
A dual soundtrack release, "Bowfinger" includes a Dolby
Digital plus DTS track. Though this movie is pretty heavy on
dialogue, there are some nice sounds.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 English has crisp and clear sound.
Music is used effectively, and there is a good amount of
dynamic range. There are some scenes which do bring the
channels to life, such as the whole highway scene and parts
with rain.
The DTS 5.1 English, however, sounds stronger than the
Dolby Digital. It has more of a zing to it, and is a touch
more powerful. The dynamic range is a bit more intense here,
and I found the sound overall to be a bit better.
Both tracks are really good, but I'm going with the DTS.
A Dolby Surround French track and English subtitles are
included as well.
Though it is not a whole "Collector's Edition",
"Bowfinger" packs a nice amount of supplements.
Most notably, is the Commentary with Director Frank
Oz. Mr. Oz has to be one of my favorite comedy directors
of all time, and this commentary has a good amount of
information, as he talks about key scenes and what it
brought to make the film.
A short Spotlight On Location featurette has some
interviews, but for the most part, is pure fluff. It's good
for a watch once or twice.
The Outtakes and Deleted Scenes are each
pretty short, but it is interesting to see what exactly was
cut from the movie, and most of the outtakes aren't that
funny, but some really are.
Rounding out the release is the Theatrical
Trailer, extensive Production Notes, Cast and
Crew Bios, the Universal Showcase with "The
Hurricane" for a trailer and finally, DVD-ROM
weblinks.
"Bowfinger" is a wonderful Hollywood satire. Though I'm
not sure how many will get all of it, it's an enjoyable
movie and this DVD release is sure to please with it's dual
Dolby Digital and DTS sound and good amount of supplementary
materials.
 (4/5, NOT included in
final score)
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