Plot: What’s it about?
I think people will have strong thoughts on Amy Schumer one way or the other. She’s very likely a case of love-it-hate-it. While I can’t quite use that latter word, I’m getting awfully close. I first saw her on a Comedy Central roast and actually enjoyed her quite a bit. Sadly, she’s become really irritating to me more recently. She hosted a recent episode of SNL and I found her material not only gross, but also tasteless and unfunny. In Trainwreck, she’s working under the guidance of Director Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, The 40 Year Old Virgin). Shcumer wrote the script for the film, but I don’t think the two are a winning formula. I’ve liked some of Apatow’s films, but even the best ones wear out their welcome long before the closing credits. The problem with this film in particular is that it needs a more disciplined director that what we’re given. I think Apatow is at least better at handling his own material. Too often things drag here to the point of exhaustion.
Shcumer plays Amy. She’s never been one to settle in a single, committed relationship. She sleeps around with a lot of men, but has a hard time settling down. That is until she meets Dr. Aaron Conners (Bill Hader). He seems like a good guy, and since Amy is a writer for a men’s magazine and is given an assignment to write an article about Conners. Amy thinks sports are stupid and knows next to nothing about them. Ultimately, Amy and Aaron start dating and go through the usual relationship ups and downs. LeBron James also shows up here playing himself. I had read a lot of good buzz about him in the film prior to seeing it, and he does a solid job here. We also get several other minor characters and a couple subplots, one involving Amy’s sister and her father. That’s where Apatow fails. Much like his other films, this one becomes so bogged down with other elements that it loses focus and meanders too often. The film clocks in around the 2 hour mark and that’s the biggest issue. It’s just too long with too much filler. By the time the end credits roll around, you might feel more relief than anything else. There are some amusing moments, but the story is still fairly predictable that it would’ve been nice with a tighter pacing. I’m usually a fan of Bill Hader, but his voice sounded especially whiny here. It did begin to bother me after a while.
Ultimately, the film is something of a mixed bag, but seeing it once was more than enough for me. Your mileage will likely depend on how much you care for star Amy Schumer. I can honestly say that I’m not eagerly awaiting her next film role. I think she’s better suited for a supporting role where the entire film doesn’t lie on her shoulders. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t play a particularly likable character. I also hope that for Apatow’s next outing that he can learn how to edit his films more and structure them better. There’s just too much filler here.
Video: How’s it look?
As expected, the 2.40:1 AVC HD image looks every bit as good as I thought it would. Romantic comedies are generally bursting with color, everything is bright, shiny, clean and easy on the eyes. Of course, this was the intent with this film as well and even though it’s lampooning the genre, it still carries with it the bright and vivid color palette. Detail is spot on, we can see the forehead wrinkles in Bill Hader and the sheen on Amy Schumer’s face. I saw no issues with the black levels and contrast was strong and bold. Universal has done a fine job with this presentation.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Again, the genre somewhat dictates that the music is soft, whimsical and playful. This is. Vocals are on the money, strong and well-centered and surrounds, though used sparingly, do add a bit of depth to some of the selected scenes. The score is a bit sparse at times, but does the job and the front stage handles the rest of the mix with no trouble at all. This DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack has a few surprises up its sleeve, but by and large is a fine, yet standard effort.
Supplements: What are the extras?
DVD Extras
- Unrated Version – Running a mere four minutes longer than the theatrical cut, this features a bit more “raunchiness” but nothing mind blowing. Still, as I always say – better to have than have not.
- Deleted Scenes – Several deleted and extended scenes are shown, though there are even more on the Blu-ray itself. I don’t really understand why they do this, especially if you ponied up the cash to get the Blu-ray to begin with.
- Gag Reel – Nearly 12 minutes of shenanigans on the set. 12!
- Line-O-Rama – Again with the Line-O-Rama’s – call it what it is – a glorified gag reel!
- Secrets of the Wu – Method Man and Norman Lloyd talk about his music experience as part of the Wu Tang Clan and even invites Norman to join the Wu.
- Audio Commentary – Director Judd Apatow, Writer/Star Amy Schumer, and Associate Producer Kim Caramele combine for a fairly informative commentary track. Schemer and Apatow take the spotlight with the chatting, but Caramele manages to get a few words in. It’s not a must listen, but it’s got its moments.
Blu-ray Exclusives
- Deleted Scenes – More, yes MORE deleted scenes that weren’t on the DVD of the movie.
- Gag Reel – More, yes MORE gags from the gag reel that wasn’t present on the DVD of the movie!
- Behind-The-Scenes – A look at the making of the film through the production as we follow alongside director Judd Apatow, cast members Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Norman Lloyd, Tilda Swinson, and Daniel Radcliff, as well as the rest of the cast.
- Directing Athletes: A Blood Sport – The athletes of Trainwreck talk about their experiences under the direction of Judd Apatow. Yes folks, LeBron can actually act. I was surprised too.
- The Dogwalker – Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe plays the dogwalker in this film that Amy and Steven go see at the theater.
- Trainwreck Comedy Tour Featurette – Take a peek backstage at the Trainwreck Comedy Tour featuring comedy all-stars Amy Schumer, Mike Birbiglia, Colin Quinn, Dave Atell, Vanessa Bayer and Judd Apatow.
- Red Band Trailer – It’s red band…you know what to expect.
The Bottom Line
Neither a trainwreck (see what I did there) nor a must-see, the film has some amusing moments, but they’re sandwiched between a lot of fluff and unnecessary subplots. I strongly feel that Schumer won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, either. For already established fans, have at it. For all others, a mild rental might be in order, but there are far better romantic comedies out there.
