Plot: What’s it about?
Katie Coltrane (Whoopi Goldberg) is the toughest officer on the police force, so its a natural that she is assigned to the most important case in recent times. But her new partner for the case is a shocker, as she is teamed up with a genetically generated dinosaur named Teddy Rex (voiced by George Newbern). So what is this vital case, the one that is so important, these two unlikely partners have been thrust together? An evil man named Elizar Kane (Armin Mueller-Stahl) has plans to take over the world, which means action has to be taken. He seeks to create his own version of Noah’s Ark, in which his chosen specimens would survive, at the expense of all the other living creatures in the world. His plot is put in jeopardy however, as two dinosaurs manage to escape and alert the authorities to his intentions. Now Coltrane has been called in to uncover the truth about Kane’s plans, as well as serve justice if the law has indeed been broken. But Kane is a slippery, smart man and as such, she’ll need all the help she can muster. Her sole help is her new partner Rex, who can’t seem to do anything right. In other words, Coltrane has to not only break this tough case, but she has to keep an eye on her bumbling partner. Can these two somehow figure out how to work together, or will their problems wind up botching the case?
Ok, this is one movie even I have to let collect dust on the shelves. I am a sucker for bad family films, flicks like Suburban Commando and the like, but Theodore Rex is so damn bad, it often defies reason. The premise is a miserable one, as there is little room for entertainment with such a lame, poorly devised concept. I know kids love dinosaurs, but even children will groan at this picture, as it fails to be even a decent experience. The dinosaurs look kind of cool, but the cheese laden clothes detract from that aspect. I do like the visuals however, as an enjoyable sci/fi atmosphere is created and provides a solid backdrop. We’re not shown much beyond the basics of that world, but what we do see is fun to watch. But the background is just that, so when Theodore Rex has bad writing, poor direction, and laughable performances, the cool visuals get tossed into the trash. I know family films often need to be looked at on a slanted scale, but even by very lenient standards, Theodore Rex is a clunker on all levels. I have no idea what Whoopi Goldberg (The Color Purple, Ghost) was thinking, but she looks so out of place in this movie. So our lead never seems natural, which is yet another reason this movie turns out to be so bad. I can’t recommend this movie to anyone, but if you’re already a fan, then this disc is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
Theodore Rex is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, with a full screen edition also included on this dual layered disc. New Line has lived up to its reputation, with a clean and crisp visual presentation. When New Line takes the time to ensure Theodore Rex looks good, there’s no excuse for other studios to rush out weak, full screen only treatments, that’s for sure. The print is clean, with no marks or debris and grain is minimal. I did see a hint of softness in some scenes, but nothing to be concerned about. The colors are vivid also, so all the hues retain the intended richness and flesh tones are natural throughout. I found contrast to be solid also, with accurate and well balanced black levels. This might be a lame, bad movie in all respects, but New Line has given us a terrific visual effort here.
Audio: How does it sound?
A new Dolby Digital 5.1 surround option is found here, which turns out to be an active, effective soundtrack. This track might not be able to keep pace with reference level treatments, but all things considered, it is a great mix. The dialogue is clean, but sometimes overpowered by the other elements and that’s a hindrance. But most of the vocals are crisp and audible, so its not like all the dialogue is buried in this soundtrack. The surrounds have a lot to do here too, with ample sound effects to process. The surround use isn’t always natural in design, but the wacky sound effects mesh with the film’s texture. So not an elite level soundtrack, but for a bad kids’ flick, Theodore Rex sounds quite good here. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround option, as well as English subtitles, in case you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
