The Film
Romantic comedies either work or they fall flat. In the case of latter it is usually because someone decides that high concept is the way to go. This certainly explains The Bounty Hunter, which features Gerard Butler as a cop turned title profession, who has a simple task: bring in his ex-wife (Jennifer Aniston) who has skipped bail. See, right there you have a really simple concept that could make for a predictable but enjoyable romp.
The two apparently hate each other at the beginning yet somehow along the way find love. But this apparently wasn't enough for a movie, so throw in a confusing story that makes Aniston a would-be investigative reporter on the verge of that really big story. But that's not enough, so the really big story involves police corruption and... dare we say it, murder. Of course that should be enough, but add in a couple of tough guys looking to settle a gambling debt from Butler, and for good measure a goofball reporter who's hot for Aniston (Jason Sudeikis) and finally her dirty-talking cabaret singer mother (Christine Baranski). None of this improves the story, it just makes this Midnight Run knock-off feel like it's the middle of the night.
For another take on The Bounty Hunter check out Karen Dahlstrom's review.
The Picture
Blu-ray isn't fair because it makes all current films look good. This is certainly true of this 2.35:1 transfer which actually looks far better than the story deserves. The flesh tones are realistic and accurate, the colors really stand out and the picture is free of any noticeable flaws. Why couldn't the aforementioned Midnight Run, or Steve McQueen's The Hunter get this sort of treatment? The visuals are really good, so good that it does really show that Atlantic City is just a poor man's Vegas, just like this is a poor substitute for good bounty hunter films.
The Sound
While the dialog is second rate, along with the mostly forgettable music score, the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is as clear as you'd expect. The film never really takes advantage of this however, except in a very few instances, notably in the brief action sequences. The cocking of the shotgun, along with the actual shot from said gun has a punch. But unfortunately the other sound is a tad flat. We'd expect more sizzle in the casinos, more thundering at the racetrack. The sound is generally clean but nothing really makes it stand out.
The Extras
The 110 minute film is already too long, so the lack of significant bonus material shouldn't be a problem. But this is Blu-ray and the extras should be there, even if you feel after watching the film that you've had enough. Other than a "making of" and a featurette on "Stops Along the Road: Hunting Locations," plus a really not funny "Rules for Outwitting a Bounty Hunter," this one comes up a tad light. It does offer the usual movieIQ functionality, along with BD-Live - plus there is a digital copy for you, if you feel the need to take this one the road.
Final Thoughts
Following Bulter's turn in The Ugly Truth, we have to wonder why his agent keeps pushing him to romantic comedies, rather than the action-oriented flicks where he really shines? Clearly rom-coms aren't his thing, and it shows in this film. Our advice to Bulter - skip out on the next offer for any chick flick faster than you'd skip out on bail!
Product Details
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