Jan 242016
 

Meadowland is a respectable enough debut from Reed Marano to the point that although it misfires on an emotional level, not to mention the screenplay could’ve used a re-write, it does excel with a stellar performance by Olivia Wilde.

 

 

Meadowland
(2015)

Genre(s): Drama
Cinedigm | R – 95 min. – $19.96 | February 2, 2016

Date Published: 01/25/2016 | Author: The Movieman


MOVIE INFO:
Directed by:
Reed Morano
Writer(s): Chris Rossi (written by)
Cast: Olivia Wilde, Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Elisabeth Moss, Ty Simpkins, John Leguizamo, Kevin Corrigan
DISC INFO:
Features:
Featurette, Trailer
Digital Copy: No
Formats Included: DVD
Number of Discs: 1
Audio: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.40
Subtitles: English SDH
Region(s): 1


THE MOVIE – 3.0/5

Plot Synopsis: In the hazy aftermath of an unimaginable loss, married couple Sarah (OLIVIA WILDE) and Phil (LUKE WILSON) come unhinged, recklessly ignoring the repercussions. Phil, a New York City cop, starts to lose sight of his morals as Sarah puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations, falling deeper into her own fever dream.

Quick Hit Review: Fantastically acted, especially with Wilde who maybe deserved more recognition with an amazing performance, Meadowland is a plodding drama that never quite hits its stride. Although the movie has some compelling moments, the majority with Wilde’s character, the sum of its whole wasn’t as effective as it could have been. There’s also the problem with unnecessary characters, specifically Giovanni Ribisi who plays Phil’s wayward brother who doesn’t have much to add to the plot. The ending also has much to be desired though it is poignant enough yet felt incomplete.

All that said, for her directorial debut, Reed Morano, longtime cinematographer, does a fine job and I hope to see more from her in the future as Meadowland, for all that might be flawed, has some good moments and in total is worth a rental.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.5/5

Not much included here save for a Behind the Scenes (22:27) featurette and the Theatrical Trailer (1:50).

 

 

VIDEO – 4.0/5 | AUDIO – 4.0/5

Meadowland is presented with a 2.40 anamorphic widescreen transfer and looks good with stark dark levels but lacks great colors in keeping with the somber theme. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track offers clear dialogue and decent front and rear depth for ambient noises and the haunting score.

 

OVERALL – 2.5/5

Overall, Meadowland is a respectable enough debut from Reed Marano to the point that although it misfires on an emotional level, not to mention the screenplay could’ve used a re-write, it does excel with a stellar performance by Olivia Wilde. The DVD released through Cinedigm has good video and audio transfers and an adequate behind-the-scenes featurette.

 

 

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