Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie Review

What it lacks in novelty it more than makes up for in heart and purpose.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman March 5, 2014

It's not about making a living but about making a life.

So what, exactly, is "normal?" The beauty of "normal" is that it varies from person to person. Maybe for one, "normal" is a fast-paced city life revolving around a few close friends and associates and a whole lot of extra people and background noise. For another, perhaps "normal" is the serene country lifestyle, a place where everyone knows one another, cares for one another, and sleeps with doors unlocked and a helping hand only a holler away. Is "normal" living to make a name or is "normal" living to make a difference? Is "normal" living mindlessly maneuvering through the so-called "rat race" or is it slowing down to listen to the little voice deep inside the soul? Is it about pushing through life or finding the meaning in life? One person's evolving definition of "normal" is at the center of the aptly titled Finding Normal, a wholesome Romantic Comedy and down-home Drama about a young woman who finds her big-money, rapid-fire life upended when she becomes unexpectedly stuck in Small Town USA. It's a charming, though wholly predictable, little slice of goodhearted entertainment that will leave audiences feeling warm and happy to have journeyed through one person's inward transformation within the boundaries of an outwardly alien environment.

"What's this?"

California doctor Lisa Leland (Candace Cameron Bure) is moving about 3,000 miles east to practice medicine for rich clientele in New York's Hamptons and, when she gets there, to marry Steve (Andrew Bongiorno), her Mr. Right and himself a fast-moving, 24/7 on-the-job doctor. When she's pulled over for speeding in the small Southern town of Normal, she's arrested on a warrant for a number of unpaid parking tickets. Her fine comes out to $2,000, an amount she cannot pay. She doesn't carry around that much cash, she doesn't have a checkbook, the local ATM machine is on the fritz, and Normal's court can't accept plastic. Rather than a financial penalty, Judge "Doc" Shelby (Lou Beatty Jr.) tasks her with community service. She's emotionally lost in small town America, unable to operate in a relaxed environment and one with spotty cell phone coverage at that. She slowly strikes up a few friendships, comes to better know Doc Shelby, finds herself gradually a loved and crucial part of the community, and drawn into the arms of a local bachelor named Lucas (Trevor St. John). Will Lisa find her future in Normal, or will the draw of New York wealth and high society soon leave the town without its newest addition?

Finding Normal doesn't redefine the Romantic Comedy/Drama, nor does it explore any uncharted storytelling territory. It's a safe and largely unoriginal "fish out of water" story that sees one character forced to endure a lifestyle she finds unfamiliar and, in many ways, downright offensive, only to gradually come to appreciate the finer points of a lower-key lifestyle and come to know, respect, and even love her new neighbors. The story's predictability never takes a leave of absence and it's easy to figure just how it's going to play out, in some cases right down to the basic dialogue exchanges, as soon as the plot has taken shape. Still, the film's tender underbelly, honest approach, respect for the good in people, and all-around positive nature and outlook on life helps to lessen the impact of the unoriginal plot. The satisfaction comes not in surprise but rather in the sincerity, simplicity, and good messaging the film has to offer. This is a Christian film, but it approaches the subjects of spirituality, faith, and divine destiny almost casually, delicately weaving those themes into the film rather making them a blunt centerpiece. Finding Normal could almost pass for a secular TV movie, but that little hint of a spiritual foundation helps make it a more fundamentally satisfying experience.

The film tackles the interplay between city slickers and country folk effectively, perhaps leaning a bit too much on cliché, at times, but rarely to the detriment of flow and certainly not the detriment of one's ability to become wrapped up in the characters. Indeed, Finding Normal smartly emphasizes the interplay between, and growth amongst, the characters rather than forcing their hands specifically to fit the plot. The picture builds likable characters who may not traverse truly rocky paths or discover anything of blinding importance (at least in the physical realm) but they become almost like kin to an audience that will root them on in their best interests, which just so happens to satisfy the core plot requirements. The film walks that delicate tightrope of good characterization and generic scripting well, emphasizing the former while not necessarily downplaying the latter but certainly smothering it with quick dialogue, balanced characters, and good acting.

Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Finding Normal's 1080p transfer, sourced from digital photography, looks quite nice in all areas of concern. The Blu-ray presentation is a fine example of digital done right. Details are clean, clear, and precise. Facial textures — wrinkles, beard stubble, and thicker hair — look terrific. Clothing fabrics are impeccably textured, noted particularly in close-up shots. Likewise, little odds and ends throughout the film benefit from both quality source photography and Blu-ray's horsepower to properly display them. Colors are bold and even. An outdoor cookout serves as a fine example, showcasing beautiful green grass, red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and brightly colored clothing with ease. Black levels satisfy, though are perhaps slightly faded in one or two shots. Skin tones appear natural. The image shows only very little banding and no other significant flaws. This is a healthy, handsome presentation from Pure Flix.

Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Finding Normal arrives on Blu-ray with an effective, but forgettable and slightly flawed, Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. Generally, the track handles the basics nicely enough, though there are moments when dialogue and background information both come across as slightly muddled, shallow, and lacking solid presence and lifelike replication. Occasional background din — whether on busy freeways, small town backdrops, or festive picnics — usually finds fair stage presence and authenticity, lacking only occasionally as noted above. Background rainfall in chapter 18 never quite feels naturally implemented, failing to find an immersive presence and sounding forced into the track rather than a natural part of it. Live band music in chapter 17 does enjoy solid presence and clarity along with a well-defined low end. Save for a few questionable moments, dialogue flows from the center with commendable accuracy. Listeners won't feel transported to Normal, but this track replicates the experience well enough.

Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Finding Normal contains a brief assortment of extras.

• Behind the Scenes (HD, 9:51): A piece that primarily offers raw behind-the-scenes footage from a number of sets.
• Interviews (HD): Brief spots with Actors Candace Cameron Bure (3:48), Trevor St. John (1:24), Lou Beatty Jr. (3:58), and Andrew Bongiorno (0:57); Director Brian Herzlinger (2:44); and Producer Anna Zielinski (2:36).
• Previews: Additional Pure Flix titles.

Finding Normal Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Finding Normal won't go down in the annals of cinema as a beacon of originality. In this case, that's OK. While the film never once tries to make something original out of its plot, its honesty, feel-good rhythm, likable characters, message sincerity, and family-friendly approach to moviemaking prove enough to make it an enjoyable journey, one with light spiritual overtones that support and define, but don't dominate, the story and its greater message. It's a simple movie, one that's only technically adequate but that demands nothing more. Solid acting and an enjoyable script make Finding Normal an entertaining, heartwarming, and family-safe movie. Pure Flix Entertainment's Blu-ray release of Finding Normal features quality video, acceptable audio, and a couple of light extras. Recommended.