My Giant
review by Zach B.
Rated PG
Running Time: 104 Minutes
Starring Billy Crystal, Kathleen Quinlan, Joanna
Pacula, Gheorghe Muresan, Steven Segall
Studio: Warner Bros.
Story by Billy Crystal and David Seltzer
Screenplay by David Seltzer
Directed by Michael Lehmann
Retail Price: 19.99
Features: Theatrical Trailers, Production Notes
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, 1.33:1 Standard,
5.1 Dolby Digital English, English Captions, Chapter
Search
In April 1998, after several delays, "My Giant" was
introduced to the movie going public. The film bombed, but
was unforgotten. It became the punchline of many Hollywood
jokes. Critics crushed the movie to death.
I wanted to see this film actually (no, I wasn't on
drugs), and I did see it in the theaters. I really didn't
think the film was that bad at all. I think critcs are tired
of Billy Crystal's usual shtick: a guy with a Jewish
background who's on the verge of a middlelife crisis.
The movie follows Sammy, a talent agent, who gets
stranded in Romania after a car accident. Sammy is in
Romania because he represents a young talent on a movie
being film there. Sammy is saved by a mysterious, tall man
by the name of Max, who takes him out of the car. Sammy
decides that his giant could be a really big success in
Hollywood. However, some problems arise with Sammy's family,
Max's past and a health scare.
I'll be honest with you, "My Giant" is no Oscar®
winning masterpiece, but still is a very good film. Though
the plot is nothing new, it's tired and true. The
performances are very good. Crystal is his usual excellent
self, and basketball player Muresan is pretty good (a lot
better than Shaq). The film has a few funny moments and is
pretty entertaining, but most importantly it has a lot of
heart. You don't see that often in movies these days.
If you've avoided this movie because of what the critics
say, I still say you check it out. You may be pretty
surprised. Though this movie was released by Columbia, the
DVD and video have been distributed by Warner. Castle Rock
co-produced the film, and Warner owns them, so that may be
why...
"My Giant" is presented in anamorphic widescreen, with a
ratio of 1.85:1. This transfer is top notch. I noticed some
grain and dirt now and then, but besides that, blacks are
really solid and colors are incredibly vivid. Detail is some
of the best I've seen, and hues are very accuarte. An
excellent transfer. On the second side of the disc it's in
full screen of 1.33:1.
I wasn't expecting much in this department, but I was
pretty surprised how good the 5.1 English track actually is.
The only times it really comes to life are with the music
and action sequences, but the surrounds are really good
there all around. This movie is mostly talk, so it was a bit
refreshing to have a lot more than I expected. Dialogue is
clear and easy to understand. English captions are included.
Six Theatrical Trailers are included. One is for
"My Giant", while the others are for assorted Warner movies.
There are also some really nice and extensive production
notes, citing the origins of the film. I wasn't expecting
much in this deaprtment due to how bad the film did and
poorly it was recieved, but it's all there for what it's
worth.
The presentation of this disc is what all titles should
be like. While the features are nothing major, and a low
retail, this disc is worth it. Rent it though no matter what
anyone says... it is a pretty good movie.
 (3.5/5, NOT included in
final score)
 (4.5/5)
(3.5/5)
 (1/5)
(3.5/5, NOT an average)
| 