Plot: What’s it about?
Nelson (Keanu Reeves) is a top ranked ad executive, with a big office and a claim to his agency’s number one worker slot. He is headed toward the highest positions in the field, as he works all the time and never takes his mind of his job, which of course, has some consequences. His life at home is barren, as he has minimal time for himself or his girlfriend, since he devotes every free minute to his work. He soon meets Sara (Charlize Theron) while at the DMV and when he tries to cheat off her paper, she ends up kicked out and unable to drive for thirty days. She demands a ride in exchange for her loss, which is to a lab to rescue some potential experiments, two adorable puppies. She then explains how Nelson is miserable with his life, so she offers to help him, he just needs to move in with her for a month. He refuses because he has a life to live, but when he snaps on the job and gets fired, then loses his girlfriend, his perspective changes. Nelson soon agrees to spend a month with Sara, but as time passes, will Nelson be able to find true happiness and even if so, will he be able to keep it?
I had rock bottom expectations for Sweet November, so when I went to the theater to view it, I almost counted on a bad experience. I’m not a big Keanu Reeves fans and the film had been mangled by critics, but I had an empty afternoon, so I took a chance. I have to admit that while the film is not too good, it has some solid moments and I left the theater satisfied. Perhaps this was due to my low expectations, but I liked the movie and as such, I looked forward to this DVD release. Yes, it has a ludicrous storyline and not so hot performances, but some moments are terrific and I was pleased overall, though I hadn’t expected much. Reeves is his usual self, but has some decent scenes, while Charlize Theron gives a quirky, very likable performance. Sweet November has some sucker punch times and those were the lows for me, but there’s enough good to pull this one above the trash heap, I think. I recommend this release as a rental, but keep your expectations low and don’t go into the film with a critical mindset.
Yes, Keanu Reeves has ventured beyond the action realm again, but this time, he actually seems to be in decent form at times. Reeves has some skills to be sure, but those don’t involve traditional acting, so he can sometimes lessen a film’s impact. That happens here from time to time, but Reeves opens up a little here, which enhances his performance. He gets mad, he gets pissed, he yells and such, with those scenes as his best work here, to be sure. I still think he needs to stick with action for the most part, but with some work, he could start to hold his own in other genres. Other films with Reeves include Chain Reaction, The Matrix, The Devil’s Advocate, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and River’s Edge. The cast also includes Charlize Theron (The Yards, Reindeer Games), Jason Isaacs (The Patriot, Event Horizon), Frank Langella (The Twelve Chairs, Masters of the Universe), and Greg Germann (Down to Earth, Tv’s Ally McBeal).
Video: How does it look?
Sweet November is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I was quite pleased with this visual effort, although a few trouble spots still surface. In a few darker scenes, the contrast breaks up into grain, which can be a let down. I wasn’t too distracted by this, but it was obvious and as such, worth a mention here. The contrast is usually stable and well balanced however, which is good news. The less than vibrant colors are due to the intended visual scheme, though hues still look bright at times, I think. All in all, a pleasant looking transfer and one that more than does the material justice.
Audio: How does it sound?
This might not seem like the kind of movie to showcase your home theater with, but the included Dolby Digital 5.1 manages pretty darn well. I was pleased to find some nice, subtle surround presence here, much more frequently than I had figured, to be sure. You won’t be blown away by this mix, but it slowly immerses you and with this movie, that’s the right approach. Even the bass kicks in at times, which means even though this is a romantic flick, it will still remind you why you sank a fortune into those speakers and such. The music also sound terrific, while dialogue remains clean and at a proper volume at all times. This disc also includes a French language option, as well as English and French subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some talent files, a brief behind the scenes featurette, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
