Plot: What’s it about?
I’m going to be brief and very vague in my plot summary, as Best Laid Plans is the type of movie that relies on twists and turns, and I don’t want to spoil any of them for you. You know those middle of nowhere towns where nothing ever happens? Well, this movie takes place in one, by the name of Tropico, which is as boring and mundane as any other small town. Tropico however is about to liven up, although the excitement for a few of it’s residents may be the type of activity they’d like. Nick (Alessandro Nivola) has just been part of a robbery that went rotten, and he’s in dire need of the money he should have gotten from the heist. In short, Nick has forty-eight hours to locate forty-thousand dollars, or he loses his life. Nick and his girlfriend Lissa (Reese Witherspoon) are running out of time, and looking for any chance they can find to get that money. That’s where Nick’s old friend Bryce (Josh Brolin) enters the picture. Bryce has the cash, but what will he want from the couple in return? That’s all I’m gonna say about the storyline. Suffice to say you’ll get more betrayals, twists, and turns than you’d imagine, and leave it at that.
Again, since the movie is so heavily based on the surprise factor, it’s difficult for me to discuss what I liked about it. I can tell you that I enjoyed the movie, and if you are a fan of suspense/thrillers, you it to yourself to give this one a chance. I found myself not knowing when the next twist was coming, but waiting for it with great anticipation. A movie similar to this one would Wild Things, where twists and turns were rampant. It’s a safe bet that if you liked Wild Things for the twists (not the tits), then you’ll enjoy Best Laid Plans as well. This a very complex storyline, but it unfolds in a manner that enables us to pick up the details of what’s happening. I found myself going back for a second viewing, in order to fill in some smaller questions I had, and some of you may need a second viewing to understand all the twists and turns also. I recommend at least a rental for this movie, and I point to a purchase for fans of the genre, as this disc is outstanding.
Ah yes, the cast. You can’t have a movie without one, right? Best Laid Plans sports a very good cast, although not all the names will be recognized. The main name draw in this film is Reese Witherspoon, who is beginning to make a place for herself as actress. I enjoy most of her films, and usually her presence alone is enough for me to check out a movie. Witherspoon (Freeway, Overnight Delivery) gives her usual solid turn in Best Laid Plans, although clearly not her best work. Josh Brolin also has a large role in this movie, and I was hesitant as to how he would perform. While still the weakest link in this three actor chain, Brolin (Bed of Roses, The Goonies) is better than I expected. The true star of Best Laid Plans, in my opinion, is Alessandro Nivola, who I am not familiar with, but impressed by with this performance. Nivola (Face/Off, I Want You) gives a subdued, yet powerful performance. Best Laid Plans was directed by Mike Barker, who was also behind the camera of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Video: How does it look?
First, I want to point out that Fox has released Best Laid Plans with an anamorphic widescreen transfer! They don’t do it often, but they came through on this disc. That being said, I’ll move on. The movie is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, and looks very good. The colors usually hinge on a more natural spectrum, but some reds and greens seem ultra colorful, and leap right off the screen. There are some minor instances of oversaturation, but not enough to lose sleep over. The film is filled with very dark scenes, and the black levels are good, but tend to wander into muddied over darkness at times. There were a few spots were detail was lost totally in the shadows. Although the detail in those areas is not an issue of life or death, I still feel I need to mention all flaws of the disc. The disc contains no pixillation or other compression errors. A little on the dark side, but aside from that, this is a very good transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
The disc uses a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, but the only audio to utilize it is the musical score. The score is excellent though, fitting the tone of the film well, and the disc ensures the music sounds very full and rich. Aside from the musical score, the audio will stay in the front channels, which is a little disappointing. Some of the more subtle effects would have been more effective if moved to the rear channels. While the placement of some audio is questionable, the track sounds good. Even with the heavy traffic in the front channels, nothing gets muddled in the process. Dialogue is clear and crisp throughout, with nice separation.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Fox issued Best Laid Plans as a special edition, and this is the type of movie bonus materials can really help. The goodies on this disc can really help to understand the movie, and all it’s twists and turns. First up is a running commentary with director Mike Barker along with his assistant, who keeps him on track. Barker’s track is dual in purpose, it informs and entertains. There some funny segments, as well as some very enlightening portions. If you liked the flick, you’ll be interested in what Barker has to say about the movie. A gallery of nine deleted scenes is also on the disc, which includes alternate opening and ending sequences, which is very cool. The remainder of the scenes are also interesting, but one can tell why the scenes were left on the cutting room floor. The disc also houses a large number of promotional pieces, with two theatrical trailers and three television spots. I love trailers and television spots, as we can see how the movie was marketed, so I am pleased with the inclusion of such goodies here. Rounding out the disc is a brief featurette and some talent files.
