5.4 | / 10 |
Users | 1.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 2.9 |
A guy wanted around town by various hitmen hopes to stay alive long enough for his life insurance policy to kick in and pay out for his estranged daughter.
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Hailee Steinfeld, Bill Paxton, Jonathan Banks, Jordi MollàDrama | 100% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
UV digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region free
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 0.5 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
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.
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 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 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 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.
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