Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Term Life Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman July 4, 2016

Term Life has no aspirations of greatness, and the movie is better for its lean focus and drive to simply do its thing to the best of its ability. Director Peter Billingsley (Couples Retreat, and, yes, the boy from A Christmas Story) crafts the film as an approachable and enjoyable nuts-and-bolts time killer Thriller. The movie explores no new ground, not in its estranged father/daughter relationship story and certainly not in its "innocent framed for murder" angle, but Billingsley arranges all the pieces into a satisfying little venture that gets the most out of its rather hackneyed plotting and unimaginative characters. The film enjoys just the right blend, and assemblage, of action, family drama, and mild mystery to keep the viewer entertained, resulting in another fine example of the "no harm, no foul" sort of movie that comfortably exists as an enjoyable ride straight down the middle of mid-grade cinema.

Nick Barrow (Vince Vaughn) knows his way around a heist. He doesn't pull them off. He just plans them. And he's an expert. He naturally takes everything -- down to the smallest detail -- into account. It's as if he was born to be the brains of a criminal enterprise, but his other skills will be put to the test when a job he plans goes awry. The men who pulled off the job are killed, and Nick is framed for the murders. He finds himself on the run from both a dangerous cartel leader named Victor Fuentes (Jordi Mollà) and a corrupt cop named Keenan (Bill Paxton). But it's not only his life that's in jeopardy. They'll certainly go after his estranged daughter Carrie (Hailee Seinfeld) who wants nothing to do with her father. But she'll be forced to set aside her differences with him and join him on the quest to stay alive and clear his name before the odds finally turn against him.

The movie derives its title from a brief scene in which Vaughn's Nick Barrow takes out a $500,000 life insurance policy to ensure that his estranged daughter will at least receive something should the worst happen to him. Ever so briefly, the scene, and the title, in a way, recall an old Dabney Coleman movie called Short Time about a cop who, after receiving a deadly (and accidental) diagnosis, actively tries to kill himself in the line of duty to make sure his family is well taken care of. While that film was primarily a Comedy, Term Life follows a more action-oriented and dramatic angle, never breaking new ground or even threatening to explore any different themes, but it's put together just well enough to keep the movie watchable though not engrossing, interesting though not compelling, enjoyable though not exhilarating. It banks on the audience's good graces to accept a rather flat and linear narrative, to sit back and enjoy a straightforward story that, despite a few nitty-gritty twists-and-turns, plays out just as one would expect after reading a two-sentence synopsis. Here's why it works: the filmmakers know the core's limitations, and they only push the movie so far as its basics will allow. It meets the audience in the middle and works just hard enough to ensure a good time that requires little, if any, brain power.

Not only do the filmmakers play to the movie's strengths -- which is its linear, no-frills approach -- but they also ensure that Term Life benefits from solid technical craftsmanship. Action is well staged. Locations are utilized to fine effect. The movie squeezes every last resource from all the tools at its disposal. Casting is strong and the assembled actors give the parts proper depth, even as the script leaves them rather one dimensional. Vaughn, Steinfeld, Howard, Paxton, and Mollà give honest efforts that explore the avenues open to them through the story's rather limited field of view. There's just enough motivation, honest emotion, and physical attributes to back them up to keep the film moving along at a good pace and the audience interested not so much in the all-but-predetermined outcome but, at least, how the movie gets the characters there.

Term Life Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

According to IMDB, Term Life was photographed digitally, but it's often hard to tell. The image instead looks more like film, with complex detailing and a filmic, grain-like veneer. Rarely, if ever, does the image look in any way glossy or smooth in a more "traditional" digital style. Texturing soars. Clothes are particularly impressive, but more so are the rougher surfaces seen around the frame throughout the movie, including brick, concrete, chipped paint, and general urban surfaces that are complexly lively and tactile. Facial details are wonderful in close-up; look at Hailee Seinfeld's face around the 49-minute mark. The image reveals extremely fine hairs, pores, and makeup lines with remarkable ease and efficiency. Colors are rich, too. The palette is full and lively, but natural. Black levels hold deep and accurate while flesh tones never stray beyond the norm. No serious artifacts are evident.

Term Life Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Term Life features a stable and enjoyable DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. Music is well defined and spacious, largely hovering through the front but spreading a bit more in places, such as at an amusement park later in the movie. That same location springs to life with a quality assortment of ambient effects. Directionality is excellent in dense city exteriors. Gunfire is adequately, but not authoritatively, punchy. An early movie explosion delivers a satisfying punch and push though the stage. The track's best moment comes when a number of car alarms begin chirping, scattered all over the stage and placing the listener squarely in the middle of the lot. Dialogue is clear and detailed with natural center placement and prioritization.

Term Life Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Term Life contains one extra. A Family Affair: Making 'Term Life' (1080p, 2:39) features Actor Vince Vaughn, Actress Hailee Steinfeld, and Director Peter Billingsley discussing the father/daughter relationship in the film and how it impacts the film's crime thriller plot.

Term Life Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Term Life is comfortable as a mid-grade picture. Cast and crew squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of the movie, and even if it never approaches a level of classic excellence, it's more than worth the 90 minute investment as a simple brain-off experience. A strong cast, fluid action, and a fair (if not trite) core story all contribute to an enjoyable movie experience. Universal's Blu-ray release of Term Life features excellent video and strong audio but only one brief supplement. Definitely worth a rental. Consider a purchase at a bargain price.