Plot: What’s it about?
Not too long ago, a movie came out called “In the Company of Men”. I had heard about it and was waiting to see it. I did. I had never seen a more evil, vicious person than the one played by Aaron Eckhart. So, naturally, when “Your Friends and Neighbors” came out on DVD, I was interested to say the least.
While not nearly as offensive (to me at least) than “…Men”, it still has it’s share of shocking statements. The film follows 6 people. Two sets of couples and two individuals. Playing almost the complete opposite, Aaron Eckhart plays a conservative, if not complete wimp of a husband. Amy Brenneman plays his wife. Their problem is his impotence. Ben Stiller is a college professor, who has tendancies to “date” his students, but is also living with Cheri (Nastassja Kinski). Oh, before I go any further, let me just say that the six characters names are: Mary, Cheri, Jerry, Barry, Cary and Teri. That toatlly annoyed me. Anyway, it seems that Cheri has met someone else at an art gallery (in a scene that’s replayed about five times, that got old too), who happens to be a woman.
Lying, cheating and affairs all happen, but with little effect. I just couldn’t bring myself to care for these characters. Jason Patrick plays possibly the meanest person in the world, who is also a complete male chouvanist (obviously trying to recreate the villan from “…Men”). Anyway, I could go on, but it would just be rambling, much like the entire movie. Too many “I, uh’s and huh’s”.
Bottom line: If you’re a fan of the director, give it a look. It moves very slow, though…
Video: How does it look?
About the best thing that can be said for this movie is that it is crystal clear. Polygram (now USA video) has given this film the “benefit” of 16:9 enhancement. Picture is stunning.
Audio: How does it sound?
Well, the box says Dolby Digital 5.1 and my receiver recognized it as such, but the sound is limited to center channel only, except in the opening credits and ending credits. I had my A/C on and had to turn it off, because I couldn’t hear what was being said. Very disappointing.
Supplements: What are the extras?
A commentary was included, which is always nice, but it moved slower than the movie, and I honestly didn’t listen to all of it. A trailer and production notes and cast bios were included as well.
