Plot: What’s it about?
While the Pulham football program was once a source of pride, years of crushing defeat have led to perhaps the final season on the school’s field. This season the team must not only battle the other squads, but in order to ensure a next season, they’ll have to post a winning record. And given the current state of the program, that won’t be a simple task. In an effort to get some attention for the squad, a notorious coach named Rick Vice (Andy Dick) is brought in to lead the players. With a checkered past, questionable tactics, and mental instability, As soon as he arrives, Vice starts causing trouble, pushing the players to the brink, and sending the program into total chaos. Vice does bring the spotlight to the team, only to have four straight losses kick off the season. When an alumni with a vision for the sport shoehorns himself into the picture however, things start to look up. But with a madman like Vice and a spotty at best team, will this prove to be Pulham’s final season?
This movie centers on Andy Dick as a racist, homophobic, and out of control redneck. That alone is reason enough to warrant morbid curiosity, but does Division III deliver the laughs? I wasn’t bowled over, but the film provides some solid over the top moments and Dick’s performance is insane. You kind of expect him to be wild, but Dick is unhinged in this role and really makes the most of his outlandish character. If you can’t stand him, then Division III is going to be a tough sell, but if you’re into chaotic performance, Dick’s work here is quite a trip. Dick really plays off his costars well, putting his in your face style to good use, as well as spouting some ruthless dialogue. The humor is standard shock value and gross out type content, some of which works and some of which falls flat. As inconsistent as Division III is, the scenes that work can be hilarious and as I said, Dick’s maniacal performance alone is enough to make a rental worthwhile. So for some crude laughs, insane dialogue, and one of the most unrestrained performances in a long time, Division III is recommended.
Video: How does it look?
Division III is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen. This transfer looks quite good, though the visuals never reach the depth you’d expect from a traditional film source. Even so, the detail is strong at all times and fine detail is impressive, especially in close up and medium shots. I saw no concerns with colors or contrast, as black levels look terrific and colors show off bright, vivid hues. All in all, a rock transfer that never disappoints.
Audio: How does it sound?
Although the film is driven by dialogue, this DTS HD 5.1 soundtrack provides some nice kick. The music is loud and makes good use of the surrounds, as do the sports scenes and the random violent outbursts. I am always pleased to hear comedies given more than a run of the mill audio treatment, so this one was a welcome surprise. The dialogue is clear and clean, even during some of Dick’s more outrageous rants, so nothing is lost in the mix. This disc also includes English and Spanish subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some outtakes, deleted scenes, and audio comments from Andy Dick and director Marshall Cook.
