Plot: What’s it about?
It happens all too often these days, when a powerful business tries to essentially take over a small town for the sake of profits. Buy the land, develop it, drive people from their jobs and even their homes, sometimes under shady premises. But when a corrupt business tries to do just that in a small Irish town where Mark Taffin (Pierce Brosnan) is from, things don’t always go as the corporate beings would like them to. Taffin is a debt collector by profession, but he serves as an all around ass kicker here, taking on the corporation head on, to protect the town and people within its limits. When the residents protest the building of a dangerous chemical plant in their town, Sprawley Enterprises stoops so low as to send in muscle to weaken resistance, which sits none to well with Taffin. As he fights for the rights of the locals, he begins to unravel the truth behind the chemical plant, like who really wants it built there and why. While kicking ass and taking names, Taffin uncovers a sinister plot that reaches deep into high places, maybe even some people toward the top of the government food chain. Can Taffin win his battle for the town, or will the corporate machine just roll him over, like they try to do to everyone else?
Now, the cover art for this release is very similar to the artwork used on James Bond movies, so it looks like some marketing strategy is in place here. But don’t pick this disc up expecting a long lost Bond flick, because this is a horse of a different color. Sure, Pierce Brosnan is here, there’s action, car chases, and such, but Taffin is a very different type of character. I’d describe as more of a common man’s James Bond, not as slick, but just as effective. The writing is actually better than I was expecting, and the movie itself is an interesting piece as well. While the “big company vs. little guy” concept has been played many times before and since, Taffin creates an above average take on the issue. So if you’re looking for a decent movie to take to the counter, Taffin should serve your needs, especially if you’re a Brosnan fan. I recommend the movie, but the disc lacks any true supplement, so a recommendation there is hard. If you really like the movie, pick the disc up, otherwise, this is best left as a rental.
This is a one man show, with Remington Steele himself, Pierce Brosnan, as that one man. Brosnan has a knack for playing this type of role, although this character is less glamorous than his usual roles. Brosnan has done comedy (Mrs. Doubtfire) and we all know he can do action (Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies), but here he adds another social commentary performance, like his recent turn in Grey Owl. While we’re used to seeing a more polished, debonair Brosnan, the transition to common man is achieved here. He pulls the role off very well, with enough compassion mixed with toughness to suit the character. Supporting Brosnan are Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With The Enemy, One Man’s Hero), Ray McAnally (A Very British Coup, No Surrender), Jeremy Child (Diana: Her True Story), and Alison Doody (Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade, Major League II).
Video: How does it look?
Taffin is presented in a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer, which is not enhanced for widescreen televisions. This movie uses a very natural visual style, so while the colors won’t bound off the screen, the image looks very good. As I mentioned, the colors are of a natural spectrum, so while it may seem like the hues are muted, the look is intentional. Again, with this more natural approach, the contrast may seem too bright, but this is the correct visual appearance, so remain calm. While not a perfect transfer, I can say this is the finest visual presentation of the film to date.
Audio: How does it sound?
The disc uses a mono track to replicate the audio, and the track does the best job you’d expect from a mono mix. While the format has its limits, this mix is free from hiss and other annoying mono issues, and the elements remain fluid and separate. The explosions and other high impact audio don’t sound as “in your face” as a surround track would make them sound, but hey, for mono, it all sounds fine. The dialogue is also well done, with no volume issues and very high clarity.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Sadly, no true supplements are included, just liner notes on the insert.
