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The Movie:
"Metro" is Eddie Murphy's attempt to try and re-create what he had with the Beverly Hills Cop series; or simply, to just try and create a film that seems like the kind of picture that producer Jerry Bruckheimer("Beverly Hills Cop", "Bad Boys") has become famous for. Either way, it pretty much fails from the get-go. Here he plays hostage negotiator Scott Roeper, and although he has a few good comedic moments, this is a pretty slow, conventional action picture.
The film throws us into the middle of an action sequence, as most films like this tend to do, where Roeper's skills as a hostage negotiator are shown. From there, it goes into the usual standards; there's a psychotic thief named Korda(Michael Wincott) on the loose. Roeper is paired up with a new partner named McCall(Michael Rapaport).
Director Thomas Carter (the upcoming "Save The Last Dance") is able to stage some technically solid action sequences, but he doesn't do too well with much of the rest of the film. The relationship sequences between Roeper and Ronnie(Carmen Ejogo) lack chemistry and slow down the movie considerably. The movie as a whole begins to lack focus, and feels like a set of action sequences strung together. Murphy's energetic performance partially saves the movie, but Rappaport is fairly dull as his partner.
All-in-all a pretty unspectacular thriller with a good performance from Murphy keeping it from being a total washout.
The DVD
VIDEO: This is a fairly early non-anamorphic title from Buena Vista, and although the general picture quality of the film is pretty enjoyable, there are some define flaws that take away from what enjoyment of the movie there is. The picture contains sleek, stylish photography that translates well to DVD, with Fred Murphy ("October Sky")'s cinematography looking great.
If this was anamorphic, it would more than likely look pretty outstanding. As it is, the flaws are noticable. Aliasing and slight pixelation creep in at times, although they don't play a consistent factor in the proceedings. The picture sometimes has a less-than-smooth quality as well in some of the darker or dimly lit sequences. Never quite harsh, but definitely not crisp.
Where the film succeeds best is in the daylight sequences on the city streets, where images look sharp, if not quite as sharp as they maybe could look. Detail is generally good, although some of the darker seqeuences are not quite as well defined as they could be. The print used is pretty clean, free of marks, scratches and all but a few very minor flaws. Colors are especially solid and enjoyable, looking crisp and well-saturated, with no problems.
All in all this certainly isn't as good as it could be, but in the legion of non-anamorphic transfers that the studio has produced, this isn't the worst they have done.
SOUND: "Metro" offers a well-done audio presentation, although don't go in expecting a totally explosive audio experience since many scenes are pretty talky. Certainly the audio highlight is the major chase sequence that happens about 52 minutes or so into the movie, with both cars flying through traffic. As with any major action movie chase sequence, there are quite a few crashes and bangs that are nicely placed sound-wise around the room.
Of course, there's a lot of the usual action elements as well - helicopters fly by in some sequences, and there's some gunfire now and then, as well. Although the score is the usual "action" kinda score, it does have a deep, strong presence. Surrounds get good use when called upon, but there are times when they could have been put to further and more intense use. Bass is generally strong and solid during the action scenes. Dialogue doesn't always sound that well-integrated, but it is clear and easily understood.
MENUS:: Bland, non-animated main menus that offer few options.
EXTRAS: The theatrical trailer (1.85:1/Dolby 2.0).
Final Thoughts: The movie isn't that great, nor is Buena Vista's DVD presentation. Not recommended.
Film Grade
The Film D+
DVD Grades
Video 84/B = (336/400 possible points)
Audio: 89/B+ = (356/400 possible points)
Extras: 65/D = (195/300 possible points)
Menus: 65/D = (130/200 possible points)
Value: 79/C+ = (237/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1254/1600
DVD GRADE:C/78%
FILM GRADE: D+
DVD GRADE: C
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