Plot: What’s it about?
Jonathan (Jonathan Abrahams), Brad (Brian Van Holt), and Zeke (Zorie Barber) have been friends since college, spending their time scamming on chicks and little else. After a week’s worth of scams and such, the three guys meet up at an old hangout, where they then discuss what happened to them. Of course, the guys usually talk about their conquests that week, but one them seems to have more luck with his hand than the ladies, though he always invents some girl’s name to cover his tracks. Also at these meetings is Eric (Judah Domke), who used to be a scammer also, but now he has become a married man and is the joke of the group as a result. But when each of them meets the women of their dreams, they begin to leave their scamming days behind, as true love has come to their front doors. But when the three friends learn that they’re all after the same girl, Mia (Amanda Peet), their friendship begins to crumble and the tension mounts.
This is not the usual take on love, lust, and dating, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hit all the right notes. Some of the subject matter might be a little out there for some folks, but I think most viewers will be able to relate to the dialogue, which is sharp and very well written. The characters might not be that likable here, but their ideas and stories are humorous and believable. It is a little hard to believe that a girl like Mia would even talk to these three hacks, but I suppose suspension of disbelief covers those bases, so all is well. Amanda Peet is terrific in her role and while the three scammers could use some lessons, their married friend is hilarious at times. So don’t expect much in terms of good acting, but then again, I don’t think you watch a film like Whipped for that element. As I said, some of the topics discussed might be too much for more prudish viewers, but I don’t think the film ever goes too far, so don’t think this is a shock based effort. If you’re in the mood for an offbeat romantic comedy, this is just the release you’ve been looking for, so don’t hesitate to pick this disc up.
The real flaw with this cast comes in the form of Zorie Barber, who has not the right choice for his role. I’m sure Barber has skills on screen, but he is not the right person to play a tough guy, which pretty much ruins his character. I mean, how effective is a white Steve Urkel as a mean, tough guy, right? He seems like he’d start crying or hide instead of yelling, so I have to think he was a last minute replacement, or else the casting agent dropped the ball in prime fashion. But aside from this geek, the cast is good and I was pleased with their performances. Amanda Peet (She’s The One, The Whole Nine Yards) takes the top nod, with her charm and charisma, but the others aren’t too much behind her. The rest of the cast includes Judah Domke (Spanking The Monkey, Loving Jezebel), Callie Thorne (Next Stop Wonderland, Wirey Spindell), Brian Van Holt (Windtalkers, A Very Brady Sequel), and Jonathan Abrahams.
Video: How does it look?
Whipped is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with a full frame edition included on the disc’s flip side. As usual, Columbia/Tristar has issued a superb transfer and in the end, I found very little to complain about. From the bold, rich hues to the more natural shades, the colors look excellent here, as do the flesh tones. The contrast is also solid, as detail is very good and the black levels are well balanced also. The print looks very clean and no compression flaws were found either, this one terrific transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track is good, but this material doesn’t allow for much dynamic presence. This is a dialogue reliant comedy, which means the front channels handle the bulk here, though some range is found throughout. The dialogue is sharp and crisp here, which lets all the words come through with no problems at all. I heard some surround use, but it is usually from the musical soundtrack, which sounds very good here. This is pretty much the typical dialogue driven comedy mix, but it is more than up to the task. This disc also includes a 2.0 surround track, as well as subtitles in English, Spanish, and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some talent files, an informative commentary track with director Peter M. Cohen, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
