The Show is a movie that thinks it’s some kind of 21st century version of Network or something but instead it bangs you over the head, a bit too much even by satire standards, with its message culminating with a laughable last line.
The Show
(2017)
Genre(s): Drama, Satire
Lionsgate | R – 106 min. – $21.99 | November 7, 2017
Date Published: 11/01/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 0.5/5 |
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After a dating reality show ends in violence, its host Adam Rogers (JOSH DUHAMEL) and a ratings-hungry network exec Ilana Katz (FAMKE JANSSEN) launch a terrifying new program that promises fresh kills every week: folks willing to kill themselves on national television. Working with Rogers and Katz is Emmy-award winning producer Sylvia (CAITLIN FITZGERALD), and while she and Rogers have vast reservations, you will see Rogers go down a dark road.
A side story also follows family man Mason Washington (GIANCARLO ESPOSITO) who is struggling working two jobs to support his wife, who also works part-time, and two children, including his son who has medical issues and must use crutches to get around. Oh, and their cable and internet has been cut off, the water company is jumping down their throats for payment and the bank is close to foreclosing on their home. And in addition, his boss won’t give him the extra four hours making him a full-time employee and benefits, something that of course will bite him in the ass later in the film. Depressed yet? Well, there is a “game show” for you! I don’t know where to begin with The Show, originally titled This is Your Death. It’s not hard to see the dark satire against reality TV and Americans insatiable desires and delight in cheering on other’s misery and torment. Obviously, being satire it takes it to the extreme as we get to see numerous of folks down on their luck commit suicide on stage with dramatic theatrics to enhance the home viewers and in-studio audiences’ entertainment.
The problem I had with is the wild swings in tone going from the aforementioned dark satire to heavy-handed family drama be it with Mason or Adam Rogers’s relationship with his emotionally fragile sister (SARAH WAYNE CALLIES) whose mental status is upended as those she works with knows her famous brother and the tasteless show he hosts. It switches back and forth between these storylines that the film had a hard time finding its footing or rhythm. The other issue goes with Giancarlo Esposito who directed. He utilizes a bit too much symbolism, most of all scenes of contemplation about the family financial woes for his character in which clearly in frame behind him is a painting of Martin Luther King Jr. during his “I Have a Dream” speech. Yes, that is an inspirational moment, but to utilize it in a crap film like this is terrible. The performances are haphazard at best. Josh Duhamel can be a charming dude but a lead he is not and there wasn’t much differentiation between his on-air, over-the-top persona and that of his personal life, particularly early on in the film before he goes full-on being an asshole and as deplorable as that what he was fighting against. Or something along those lines.
Apparently The Show wanted to be some sort of 21st century version of Network but lacks the sharp writing and top-notch performances to even come anywhere close. It doesn’t really work on the satire side and the family drama aspects lack any real or true emotions, perhaps because of the darkly satirical aspects. Basically, just skip this turkey. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5 |
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This release comes with a title-embossed and glossy slip cover, inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Making The Show (12:42; HD) is a behind-the-scenes featurette that includes interviews with the cast and crew. Lot of standard sound-bites talking about the plot and its deeper meaning. Interviews (TRT 18:34; HD) are extended interview footage – with Actor/Director Giancarlo Esposito and Actors Josh Duhamel, Famke Janssen, Sarah Wayne Callies, Caitlin Fitzgerald and Producer Michael Klein — that didn’t make it into the featurette. Trailer (2:13; HD) Previews – Unlocked, Black Butterfly, Aftermath, Extortion, Misconduct |
VIDEO – 4.25/5 |
| The Show must go on Blu-ray presented with a 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer (MPEG-4 AVC codec) and for the most part, looks good. For such a tonally dark film, there are splashes of color and skin tones appear natural looking while detail is generally sharp, especially close-ups while the distant shots are still decent enough. |
AUDIO – 3.75/5 |
| The disc includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which is perfectly serviceable for a movie where the bulk is either dialogue or cheers/gasps from an entertained audience. The music does provide some modest depth giving life, so to speak, for the front and rear speakers. It’s nothing that will amaze you, but it’s a fine lossless track. |
OVERALL – 1.0/5 |
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Overall, The Show is a movie that thinks it’s some kind of 21st century version of Network or something but instead it bangs you over the head, a bit too much even by satire standards, with its message culminating with a laughable last line. Beyond that, the tonal changes are all over the place. The Blu-ray has a so-so selection of features but good video/audio transfers. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.