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Inventing The Abbotts
review by Tony Medina
Rated R
Studio: Fox
Running Time: 112 minutes
Starring Liv Tyler, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Crudup,
Jennifer Connelly
Directed by Pat O'Connor
Retail Price: $24.98
Features: Featurette, Theatrical Trailer
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Dolby
Digital 5.1, English Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround,
English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles, Chapter Search
Have you ever heard the saying that says "You can't
always get what you want?" Well, that may apply in certain
circumstances but if you try some things, you can walk away
fulfilled. This is the message I was left with after seeing
"Inventing the Abbotts."
The film based in Midwest America in the 1950's centers
on two working class brothers played to perfection by
Joaquin Phoenix and Billy Crudup who take a liking to the
wealthy Abbott Sisters portrayed by Joanna Going, Jennifer
Connelly and Liv Tyler. The difference between getting what
you want and how you go about getting it is evident when
Doug (Joaquin Phoenix) builds a trustworthy relationship
with the youngest Abbott Sister portrayed by Liv Tyler and
Jacey portrayed by Billy Crudup has his eye on seducing the
two other sisters.
As the film progresses, we see the Abbotts and Holts
transform as time passes on. At the start of the film, we
are given examples that later on set us for the progression
of the characters through time.
As you are set to believe, Lloyd Abbott does not want
anything to do with the Holt Brothers but to say that it is
a result of working class vs upper class is an
understatement. I will not give the real reason as to why
this tension exists but as you watch the film you will see
there are subplots that add more depth to the plot.
If there is one thing that can be said for this film, it
is the same that can be said of life... Life has a way of
sharing tragedies, creating catastrophes and building walls.
As a result, we need to overcome these obstacles and learn
from them instead of using them as excuses for what we don't
want to see or hear.
I was impressed with the artwork on this film and the
cinematography along with the sets remind me of an old
fashioned love story that so many of us can relate to. Along
with the narrator, we feel as though we are being told a
bedtime story from one of our parents that actually lived
that scenario.
The Anamorphic Widescreen Transfer of this film displays
no flaws and has vibrant, lifelike color palates that look
natural and inviting. Throughout the film, there are scenes
with some softness which add effect for this time piece. All
in all, the transfer is very pleasing to the eye and Fox has
done another superb job with a pristine transfer.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 Mix does not make heavy use of
surround sounds. Unlike action films, this is a dialogue
film and most of the sound comes through the front channel
speaker. The music which utilizes the remaining front
speakers makes minimal but effective use of the rear channel
speakers. The dialogue is incredibly crisp and clear and the
music is balanced very well. The sound mix is pleasurable to
the ear but, some creative use of surround would have been
nice.
Other than a featurette and a theatrical trailer, we are
not given much. It would have been nice to have seen some
bloopers or excised scenes. A director's commentary from Pat
O' Connor would have also been a nice touch throughout the
film. For those of you without Dolby Digital Equipment,
there are two sound mixes in Dolby Surround. One mix is in
English and the other in French.
"Inventing the Abbotts" is a film that we all can relate
to in one way or another. The film has good production
values and is a nice way to spend a couple of hours. By the
time you are through viewing the film and seeing what
happens to the characters, you will walk away thinking at
how close the Abbotts and the Holts are just like
yourselves. The film has an old fashioned feel to it and is
a nice change in the hustle and bustle of today's busy and
different world. However, different as the world may be,
"Inventing the Abbotts" still takes place no matter where we
are.
 (3.5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
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 (1/5)
(3/5,
NOT an average)
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