Plot: What’s it about?
At one time or another, everyone has gotten a call from someone offering a dream vacation for next to nothing, but most of the time, the listener simply hangs up the telephone. This is what Pendleton “Penny” Wise (Vince Vaughn) has been hired to prevent, he needs to keep his listener interested and close the deal. And he does so, often with ease and puts up big numbers in sales, as the office’s best agent. He may run in a small time pitch, but he clears some decent cash and of course, it is never enough for him. Soon enough, his place of business is forced to close down and he has to look elsewhere to hustle, but a new chance arises quickly after the last gig’s demise. His new boss is Kelly Grant (Ed Harris), a legend in the con business and when Wise takes on the task, he knows he is now in the big leagues, with big time con artists. With a tougher sell on his hands, immense amounts of cash on the line, and Grant’s beautiful wife distracting him, can Wise survive in this atmosphere?
The Prime Gig made a quick run through a limited theatrical release, greeted by minimal critical or audience praise. I have to agree that it is no masterpiece, but it is a solid movie and deserves a look from those interested. I was reminded a lot of Boiler Room as I watched, but The Prime Gig is not out of the same storyline mold, it just has the same kind of tense atmosphere and focus on financial gains. The premise is a good one and writer William Wheeler throws in some nice turns, so it never becomes too predictable or rehashed. The characters are well played by a gifted cast that includes Ed Harris, Wallace Shawn, Julia Ormond, and Vince Vaughn, as well as a couple of other known names. In the end, this is an enjoyable, well made thriller that should find a wider audience on home video. In a surprise move however, New Line has put minimal effort into this disc and as such, it is best recommended as a rental.
I’d have to say that I’d go see any film with Ed Harris involved, as he has an excellent track record and rarely makes mistakes. It is a shame mainstream cinema stole his Best Actor Oscar in 2001, but I think he will nab one at some point, unless the voters never come to their senses, which I suppose is possible. Harris is often able to take a mediocre role and make it memorable, so when he has solid material to work with, he can rattle off one hell of a performance. In The Prime Gig, he is given some very good material and he runs with it, turning in a controlled, but still powerful overall effort. I don’t think this is the kind of role where he can really hammer home his role, but it is a good performance and fans will be pleased. Other films with Harris include Pollack, The Rock, The Right Stuff, The Abyss, The Truman Show, and Needful Things. The cast also includes Julia Ormond (First Knight, Smilla’s Sense of Snow), Vince Vaughn (Swingers, Made), and Wallace Shawn (The Princess Bride, Clueless).
Video: How does it look?
The Prime Gig is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame edition included on the disc’s flip side. As is typical for New Line, the image here looks crisp, sharp, and should please most viewers. I did note some shimmering however, as well as a couple instances of edge enhancement, though neither ever becomes much of an issue. The black levels look razor sharp and provide accurate detail level, while colors come off as natural, but also bright and vivid when needed. I wouldn’t rank this with New Line’s elite level transfers, but The Prime Gig looks terrific, no doubt about it.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio here is well presented, but this kind of material is not ideal for audio bliss, so don’t expect much beyond the basics. There is some nice surround presence and dynamic audio at times, but for the most part, this is dialogue driven and based in the front channels, which is what the material seems natural within. The vocals come through in clean, crisp form and the music sounds good also, no real complaints to be made. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, as well as English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc contains no bonus materials.
