Plot: What’s it about?
Hank (Thomas Michael) and Mike (Paulo Mancini) are Easter bunnies, genuine pink bunnies that deliver painted eggs to children on the annual event. The two might have the same profession, but Hank and Mike couldn’t be much more different beyond that. Hank is crass and loves to chase women, while Mike is more polite and is a romantic at heart. The two not only work together however, they also share a residence. Their lives are soon upended though, when the duo forgets to leave an egg at one house and the higher ups blow a gasket. The boss decides to fire the two bunnies, in order to help the bottom line. Faced with changes they never expected, how will Hank and Mike deal with the situation?
Based on the previews on the basic concept of Hank and Mike, I expected a pretty surreal experience. As it happens, the movie is fairly grounded and deals with some universal topics. These topics are explored by men in pink rabbit suits of course, but the film doesn’t focus on that as much as I anticipated. Hank and Mike zeroes in on the tribulations of the title characters, who have to cope with a kind of loss of identity, since all they have known is taken from them. The performances are solid, especially from the leads, but all of the cast seems on the mark. Even Chris Klein, who I can rarely stand, is passable here. The story unfolds at a nice pace and the humor is offbeat, but effective. As the movie rolls to a finish, things do get more and more surreal, but for the most part, Hank and Mike works quite well. So if you’re a fan of comedies with an edge, give Hank and Mike a rental, its well worth a look and Magnolia’s disc is a solid one.
Video: How does it look?
Hank and Mike is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. This is a solid transfer, though the film’s low budget roots are evident at times. The print looks good, but the visuals aren’t as sharp as I expected. I do think detail is decent, but some softness can be seen and it impacts the visuals. I found colors to be good, but contrast is a little off, due in part to the softness. The image is still good however, just not great.
Audio: How does it sound?
The Dolby Digital 5.1 option is good, but unremarkable. Then again, this is a movie that is driven by dialogue and little else, so I can’t say I am surprised. The music sounds fine and what little surround presence is needed is there, but by and large, this is a very reserved soundtrack. The vocals are the main element and since dialogue is clear and clean, I have no real complaints. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, as well as Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
You can listen to a casual, but informative audio commentary track, as well as watch the original short film that inspired this feature length version. A pair of featurettes have also been included, one on the film’s production and the other on how the short film was turned into a full length feature film. This disc also includes deleted & extended scenes, an alternate ending, outtakes, auditions, and a selection of still photos & poster artwork.
