Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Same Kind of Different as Me Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman February 15, 2018

"Love is patient and kind." So says the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13 in one of the Book's most famous passages. It's also written on an interior window at a soup kitchen, along with more of the scripture, in Same Kind of Different as Me. One of the film's main characters, a troubled homeless man known as "Suicide,' shatters the window with a baseball bat. But it's not until he, and those around him, have found themselves and their purpose in life through patient and kind love, and he aids in replacing the window, that the meaning becomes clear, the meaning in a Biblical sense and the meaning as it defines the characters and shapes their story. The words are metaphorically and literally shattered but, as the characters discern their meaning, they are metaphorically and literally replaced. The film, from first-time director Michael Carney, is based on a book written by Ron Hall, one of the story's central characters. It tells the real-life tale of a wealthy art dealer, his ailing wife, their strained marriage, and the reconnection they discover and the friendship they forge when they together begin serving in a soup kitchen and meet the man known as "Suicide" who would change their lives and the lives of so many for so many years following.

From the outside looking in, art dealer Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear) would appear to have it all. But no matter the car he drives, the house he calls home, or the money packing his bank account, his marriage to longtime partner Deborah (Renée Zellweger) is falling apart. The couple hasn't been physically intimate in two years, and she claims they haven't been emotionally intimate in nearly a decade. He's been cheating on her, he confesses, and the couple uses the near-break to try and find firmer footing in their relationship. Her first step is to take him to work in a soup kitchen at which she has been volunteering for some time. While they're serving meals, a disturbed man known as "Suicide" (Djimon Hounsou) causes a scene. Deborah puts out the flames and, realizing she's seen him in her dreams, pursues a friendship into which she drags her husband. It turns out Suicide, whose real name is Denver Moore, is an honest, good man who has been dealt a rotten hand and made some poor choices through life. As their bond together deepens, pending tragedy comes knocking, and the three must come to terms with their current reality and their prospects for the future.

The film is slow to develop. Its pieces feel scattered and random, but that's also an important part of the story. It's a story, subtly in some ways and overtly in others, of divine intervention as it leads to fulfilling purpose, repairing wounds, and providing hope. The pieces gradually come together. The couple's marriage is slowly healed, Denver's past is revealed, and their growing connections with one another lay the foundation for what would come, not the book Ron would write but rather the story he and Denver would tell and the difference they would make in dedicating their lives to enriching the lives of the homeless. The film builds their tale through honesty and heartbreak, through happiness and heartfelt tears, in an outwardly approachable but spiritually complex story that's layered with continuously revealing story elements that show good works in motion, big hearts opened, purpose even where none seems to exist, and hope where only hopelessness appears.

The film's narrative and purpose are embodied in a speech Denver gives towards film's end, and what a speech it is. It's a moving portrait of humanity, right living, respect, friendship, and togetherness. It's about legacy and purpose and its eloquence of words and heartfelt delivery alone make the movie worth watching. This is not an easy movie; it can be gruff, it can be raw, and it's very honest. It's not always cheerful, but even in its tragedies light shines through, that light no brighter than when Denver remembers his friend and implores others to live in her light. Djimon Hounsou's portrayal is effortlessly complex; his range of emotions is as wide as his range of character, and in a film with so much character evolution his is certainly the most consequential and robust. Greg Kinnear and Renée Zellweger are superb as the struggling-mending husband and wife whose lives are changed by events both in their control and out of it.

First-time director Michael Carney impresses. His movie is at its best in quiet, reflective character moments which are gracefully directed and acted, where emotion runs deep but plays visibly on the characters’ faces, when the director allows the story to be told in the eyes and physical responses his characters and actors provide. While he's wise to allow his talented cast to do much of the heavy lifting, the complimentary and accentuating photography, no-rush pace, and willingness to allow emotion to dictate the story as much as dialogue is amongst the film's most critical components. This is a complete film, its faith-based roots obvious but not burdensome, its message wholesome and very real. Tears will flow.

Same Kind of Different as Me Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Same Kind of Different as Me was digitally photographed and presents handsomely on Blu-ray. Light source noise is apparent in many shots but is the only real visual drawback to an otherwise impressive release. Textural consistency and clarity are first-class. Facial complexities are revealed with ease, the wide range of clothes -- high dollar sportswear all the way to tattered rags -- showcase every stitch and crease, and environments are well defined, again whether high-class furnishings or low-rent soup kitchen amenities. Colors are pleasingly neutral and well saturated, with plenty of natural pop on display in appropriately lit and colorful scenes. Black levels hold deep and reveal detailed shadow elements. Skin tones are accurate. This is a strong release from Paramount.

Same Kind of Different as Me Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Same Kind of Different as Me's sonic needs are not intensive, and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack delivers those largely meager elements with all of the command it can offer. Dialogue is the primary driver, and delivery is clean and precise form start to finish. Music enjoys satisfying width and clarity with nuanced notes and vocals clearly audible with every presentation of film's score. Environmental support elements are nicely detailed, whether considering a few more diversely engaged bits of city din midway through the film or quieter, gentler natural atmospherics during exterior scenes, both offering modest surround implementation.

Same Kind of Different as Me Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Same Kind of Different as Me contains a commentary, an extensive collection of deleted and extended scenes, and two featurettes. A UV/iTunes digital copy code is included with purchase.

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Carney and Writers Ron Hall and Alexander Foard offer an agreeable, well-spoken commentary. They cover all of the basics -- story, production, performances, anecdotes -- with sharp but natural insight. This is a good compliment to the movie.
• Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind -- The Making of Same Kind of Different as Me (1080p, 26:54): A comprehensive exploration of the story, Michael Carney's approach to the story and film, penning the screenplay, the real Ron and Denver's work for the homeless, the film's cast and performances, and more.
• Filming in Mississippi (1080p, 10:35): This piece explores Don Burgess' cinematography and continues on to focus on the benefits of shooting in Mississippi, key shooting locations, revitalizing parts of Jackson, utilizing "clean trash," and more.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes (1080p, 28:36 total runtime): Regan Complains to Ron, Upset Debbie Makes Toast, Debbie's Second Dream, Julio and Ron Outside at Table, Willow and Ron Outside at Table, Debbie Unloads Records, Little Girl in the Museum, Denver and Bobby Run to Barn, Clara's New Smile, Denver Beats Up Pimp, Looking for Denver, Denver Sleeps Outside, Denver Prays Outside Then at Hospital Bed, Denver Should Learn to Drive, I Believe in Medicine, Debbie Helps Ron With His Crossword Puzzle, Debbie Can No Longer Eat, Denver Picks Up Debbie at the Hospital, Debbie Sees Angels, Debbie Wheezing in Bed, Willow Reads Ron's Book, Ron Sees Willow's Painting, Ron Comes Home to Regan and Carson, and Ron Unrolls Willow's Painting. With optional commentary from Director Michael Carney and Writers Ron Hall and Alexander Foard.

Same Kind of Different as Me Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Same Kind of Different as Me is a moving film about people hurting, people healing, and people making a difference. It's honest, raw, and it hurts, sometimes, but it's also rewarding as a character-building film. Strong lead performances and steady, even-keeled direction compliment that narrative. Paramount's Blu-ray delivers excellent 1080p video. The 5.1 lossless soundtrack handles the film's fairly straightforward sound needs very well. Supplements satisfy. Highly recommended.