Plot: What’s it about?
As two beautiful women wait outside a loft entrance for their boyfriends to arrive, they begin to talk to each other, just to pass the time. Carla (Heather Graham) is a calm, reserved young lady and that clashes with Lou (Natasha Gregson Wagner), who is more explosive and less inhibited in her approach. After some simple conversation, both reveal they’re in great relationships with a wonderful man, but soon, they discover something most interesting. It seems that both women have been dating Blake (Robert Downey, Jr.), an actor who has put on quite a performance for Carla and Lou, to be sure. So the ladies storm into the apartment and when Blake returns, he has some real explaining to do, as these are two mad chicks, no doubt about that issue. Does Blake have any chance of talking his way out of this mess, or will these two lovelies make sure this two-timing turn proves to be his curtain call?
I am pleased to own this solid flick on DVD, but I have to admit, I am let down with the approach taken by Fox here. Instead of releasing the film in the much discussed unrated form, they’ve simply slapped on the R rated edition, which I am sure will irk fans. With such a flexible media and gifted studio, you’d think seamless branching could have been used, but no such luck. Even in this version however, the movie proves to be a well spent eight-five minutes, though I’d love to have had the uncut edition, to be sure. Robert Downey, Jr. is very good in this film and was allowed to improvise, which makes his performance even better than usual, I think. Downey is the main focus throughout, with terrific backup turns from Natasha Gregson Wagner and Heather Graham, who play very opposite women. The film has some excellent moments and is very well written, one of the better films of this ilk, if you ask me. As I said, the extended cut would have been nice, but even so, the film is good and deserves at least a rental, from those interested.
He’s usually in jail, rehab, or detox, but when he’s a free man, Robert Downey, Jr. can act with the best of them, to be sure. I’ve always been impressed by his work and while his personal life has been less than stable, his on screen presence rarely falters. It certainly doesn’t in Two Girls and a Guy, which quickly becomes a platform to show off his skills, which he does and then some. He was able to improvise a lot and it shows, as some of his lines are too natural & instant to have been written & rehearsed. I hope he can overcome his demons soon, as each time he slips, I think it costs us a memorable performance, at the least. You can also see Downey, Jr. in such films as Chaplin, Restoration, Weird Science, Back to School, Short Cuts, U.S. Marshals, Air America, and Natural Born Killers. The cast also includes Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, License to Drive), Natasha Gregson Wagner (Modern Vampires, Urban Legend), and Angel David (Kiss of Death, G.I. Jane).
Video: How does it look?
Two Girls and a Guy is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. I knew this would be a solid picture since it is a Fox disc and in the end, I wasn’t disappointed. This movie isn’t intense on visuals, so this isn’t a treat for the eyes, but this transfer ensures the present elements look terrific. The print used looks clean, with minimal hints of debris, while the film’s rather bland color scheme is as well presented as possible. The contrast is smooth and stark also, no complaints to be in the end. Again, this isn’t the kind of movie that allows for a reference/demonstration kind of experience, but the movie looks great and that’s what counts.
Audio: How does it sound?
You’d be hard pressed to find a movie more dialogue driven than this one, so don’t expect much spark from the included 2.0 surround option. But it does cover all the bases, which is about all you can ask for in a case like this. There is a slight amount of musical score, but much less than usual, to be sure. Since the dialogue dominates the experience, it’s a good thing it sounds so good here, very clean and crisp at all times. No volume errors either, a very well made track in all respects. This disc also includes subtitles in English and Spanish, should you need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer, as well as an audio commentary track with director James Toback and stars Robert Downey, Jr. & Natasha Gregson Wagner. I found this to be a nice little addition, with Toback taking most of the time to comment, but some good insight from the performers as well. A brisk, informative session to be sure and in the end, one that fans of the flick will want to spin, I’m sure.
