Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Disorganized Crime Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 21, 2018

For his second directorial effort, Jim Kouf returns to the tonal issues that plagued his previous endeavor, 1986’s ‘Miracles.” The screenwriter of “Stakeout,” Kouf isn’t sure what kind of movie his wants to make with 1989’s “Disorganized Crime,” so he samples a little of everything, initially starting with a crime caper before segueing into broader acts of comedy and strangely intense moments of robbery. It’s not a triumphant feature, though it does contain an impressive cast, with the actors trying to figure out their place in the story as Kouf wanders about, unable to master much suspense or laughs.

Frank (Corbin Bernsen) is a crook with a big plan to rob a small town bank, emptying its safe. However, before he has a chance to participate in the crime, he’s arrested by cops George (Ed O’Neill) and Bill (Daniel Roebuck). Arriving to meet Frank in a remote Montana house are Max (Fred Gwynne), Carlos (Ruben Blades), Ray (Lou Diamond Phillips), and Nick (William Russ), but without their ringleader, the confused thieves try to figure out the finer points of the heist by themselves. As the gang hopes to avoid police attention, Frank ends up escaping from custody, leading George and Bill on a chase through the countryside.

The essentials for madcap comedy are present in “Disorganized Crime,” which assembles a collection of irritable and paranoid types coming together to pull off a major crime, only to encounter setbacks at every turn. The cast is certainly capable of delivering one-liners and reacting to mounting insanity (this is primarily why Gwynne was hired), but Kouf routinely fumbles tonal changes, with the silliness too physical and the serious business too heavy for this light screenplay. Kouf is feeling around in the dark for most of “Disorganized Crime,” but he does have the safecracking to focus on when the movie stops cold, giving the bank job sequence necessary near-misses.

Disorganized Crime Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Disorganized Crime" was initially released on Blu-ray in 2011, and now, in 2018, it's hitting the marketplace again. Sadly, there's no remastering involved, with the new viewing experience handling much like the old one. The source is old, offering baked-in filtering that limits agreeable detail, leaving the feature looking on the soft side, with flatness during rural visits. Textures aren't strong, only really coming through during sweaty close- ups. Colors are a bit more vibrant in the Kino Lorber release, and the Big Country palette is appealing, contributing brighter blues and greenery. Skintones are adequate. There are no stretches of damage detected. Framing on the Kino disc seems to be an improvement, eliminating Mill Creek's slight horizontal stretch.

Disorganized Crime Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix is a bizarre one, as music from David Newman seems to employ a strangely twisty, folksy sound to set the semi-comedic mood. Dialogue exchanges aren't troublesome, with voices coming through with required intensity and hushed thievery, leaving one to assume that the score is intentionally odd. Music supports as necessary, but it's never quite a confident as hoped, and perhaps this is an inherent issue. Sound effects are stable, with snappy gun shots and roaring engines.

Disorganized Crime Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Jim Kouf and producer Lynn Kouf.

• Interview (15:27, HD) with Daniel Roebuck is a spirited conversation about the making of "Disorganized Crime," finding the actor in a jovial mood, augmenting the chat with excellent impressions of his co-stars. Roebuck commences with a story about his 1988 casting, where he was paired with Ed O'Neill in audition scenes shot by John Badham. The actor examines the fragmented shooting schedule for the movie, which was completed with different talent at different times, making an ensemble feel difficult to enjoy. However, Roebuck has praise for his co-stars, with specific attention to Fred Gwynne, who signed a Herman Munster doll for the superfan (a brief shot of the toy is included). Roebuck also shares an anecdote about directing Kouf in a short scene, and while he praises the filming experience, he laments the reception "Disorganized Crime" received during its initial theatrical release.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, SD) is included.

Disorganized Crime Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Disorganized Crime" is compelling in spots due the cast and their natural charisma. The rest of the feature doesn't share their appeal, with Kouf trying to sprint in slippers with this effort, unable to master the fine line between clowning around and dealing with the real world consequences of the criminal life.