Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 24, 2022

As pop culture deep cuts go in 2022, “Inspector Ike” certainly has the weirdest inspiration in recent memory. Co-writers Ikechukwu Ufomadu and Graham Mason (who also directs) head back to the 1970s, looking to parody the state of television mystery movies, inventing a faux world for a gifted NYC detective and his periodic run-ins with murder. The pair concoct a comedy, and one created on a shoestring budget, limiting the technical replication of the picture, but Ufomadu and Mason manage to score some hearty laughs with this extremely specific valentine to the “Columbo” world of small-screen cops and their expert ways with sleuthing. “Inspector Ike” isn’t built for bigness, remaining a modest offering of silliness, and it largely succeeds through engaged, playful performances and occasional ideas that deliver on the promise of such a strange spoof.

It’s a dog-eat-dog experience for those involved in avant-garde theater in New York City, with Harry (Matt Barats) an understudy with a grudge. He’s set up Chip (John Early), a local star, to take a fall, tricking the man into taping a farewell video message before killing him. Harry craves the spotlight, finally receiving his chance to shine in an upcoming production of “Mannie,” facing harsh direction from Fran (Aparna Nancherla), which puts the actor on edge. Harry’s having difficulty processing his crime, with the guilt eating away at him, but he has another problem to deal with, as Ike (Ikechukwu Ufomadu) arrives to assess the situation. “New York City’s Greatest Police Detective,” Ike is man attentive to clues, trying to figure out why Chip, who had everything going for him, would disappear. Interviewing connections, including Chip’s wife, Rita (Jessica Damouni), Ike gets closer to the truth, which makes Harry incredibly nervous on the eve of his greatest professional triumph.

Moore establishes the T.V. world of “Inspector Ike,” which is part of the “Saturday Night Mystery Movie,” with a pre-show commercial reminding viewers to stay tuned for the show and have their recipe cards ready, with chili the program’s food theme. And soon begins “Audition for Death,” but Ike isn’t immediately involved in the episode. Instead, the saga of Harry and his elaborate plan to lure Chip into a false sense of thespian confidence is explored, with the villain escorting his girlfriend, Jan (Grace Rex), to an evening of experimental theater. Well, not exactly an evening, with the play, “Al’s Pizza,” an 8-hour-long “shift” with onstage characters who don’t have much to do. Harry wants Jan to pass out, gifting her warm milk and a turkey leg to enjoy during the brutal theater experience, finally getting her to sleep before turning his attention to Chip.

Harry finally gets a chance to manipulate Chip into offering a goodbye message, leading to a murder, commencing a plan to become a major theater star. Ike soon enters the picture, offering the confidence of a worldly man of great intelligence, tasked with figuring out the details of Chip’s disappearance. “Inspector Ike” visits various characters, including Jan, who begins to suspect something isn’t right, having trouble escaping to the Grand Canyon for safety. There’s Rita, who may or may not be directly involved in the crime, and assisting Ike are cops Hawthorne (Ana Fabrega) and Dinardo (Anthony Oberbeck), who may or may not be dating. Once the detective enters the movie, “Inspector Ike” gets something going with idiosyncratic humor, including a running gag where Ike is served elaborate food items, only to lose his appetite. Ike’s low-key style is also good for many laughs, as the assured sleuth is great with mysteries, but fails to handle evidence carefully. Ufomadu is terrific in the part, and the rest of the cast commits to the weirdness of the effort. Not every joke lands, or is even attempted, but there are spirited, dryly hilarious performances to enjoy throughout the endeavor.

Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers sharp facial particulars throughout the viewing experience, and costuming is fibrous, helping with the period approach of the film. Interiors showcase clear decoration and dimension. Colors also deal with the vibe of the 1970s, emphasizing yellow and beige, while the theatrical setting and city tours offer bright primaries. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Mild banding is detected.

Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 Dolby Digital mix isn't working with a lively sound design for "Inspector Ike," with dialogue exchanges appealingly sharp, supporting diverse performances and emotional outbreaks. Music is clear, with decent instrumentation throughout the listening event. Atmospherics register as intended, securing urban position and room tone.

Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (22 pages) offers an essay by co-writer/director Graham Mason, an "Inspector Ike" episode guide, and a Word Search from Inspector Ike.

• Commentary features co-writer/director Graham Mason.

• "Words with Ike" (11:21, HD) is a collection of vocabulary lessons with Inspector Ike, who walks viewers through an assortment of words and their different meanings.

• "The Photos of Ana" (6:56, HD) is a 2017 short film from Graham Mason.

• And a Trailer (1:00, HD) is included.

Inspector Ike Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Missing from "Inspector Ike" is a full sense of the television experience. Mason doesn't attempt to replicate the "Columbo" look, and little things, such as station breaks and commercials, aren't attempted. The best the effort can do is follow through on the chili promise, stopping the mystery so Ike can walk viewers through the steps of food preparation. It's an amusing idea, and the endeavor could use a lot more of these additions, creating an immersive experience. "Inspector Ike" is content to be small and peculiar, but it also manages to be very funny when it chooses to be. It's clear the creative team is having fun with this material and these characters, and while they don't go all the way with this tribute to television escapism, they get far enough on enthusiasm.