Siberia had the opportunity to be a compelling little crime-drama along the lines of A Simple Plan (same author and screenwriter) and although Ana Ularu was impressive in her performance, Keanu Reeves was a bit flat with some tepid dialogue.
Siberia
(2018)
Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Crime
Lionsgate | R – 105 min. – $21.99 | September 18, 2018
Date Published: 09/24/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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Lionsgate provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 2.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: U.S. diamond merchant Lucas Hill (KEANU REEVES) travels to St. Petersburg Russia where he is to authenticate a rare and valuable blue diamond sample for a dangerous Russian gangster, but upon arrival, his contact has gone missing. Hill manages to buy time from mobster Boris Volkov (PASHA D. LYCHIKOSS), where he goes in search of the contact in a small Siberian town where he meets and falls for café owner Katya (ANA ULARU), much to the displeasure of the locals who are very protective.
Meanwhile, as his time before he must deliver the diamonds to Boris ticks down, Hill’s attempts to find his contact becomes complicated for various reasons, one being that the diamonds to be sold are counterfeit, the second is the state police become involved and third his relationshop with Katya becomes more complicated, especially with a wife (MOLLY RINGWALD), whom Katya does know about, is back home. Quick Hit Review: Siberia is a slow moving drama that might take place in an interesting setting, shame the (simple) story at its core isn’t nearly as interesting and features some thinly written characters. The acting from Keanu Reeves is more or less the same as you usually seem from the actor as in the John Wick movies, but the reason those films succeeded was seeing Reeves kick ass, not so much here thus relying on his lackluster dramatic range. On the plus side, the mostly unknown Ana Ularu was impressive; I can only hope we see more from her in larger roles.
In the end, the film, which was directed by Matthew Ross (Frank & Lola), from a script by Scott B. Smith (author and screenwriter of A Simple Plan and The Ruins), wasn’t really dull or boring but the story did feel a bit flat and the suspense, even at the end where it should’ve been gripping, was lacking. At best this is worth a rental, but don’t go in expecting John Wick in Russia or anything. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.25/5 |
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This release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The only bonus is Passion and Intrigue: Bringing Siberia to Life (6:42; HD) featurette with some behind-the-scenes footage and comments by the cast and crew. Previews – John Wick: Chapter 2, Shot Caller, Braven, Acts of Vengeance |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Lionsgate releases Siberia onto Blu-ray where it is presented with a 2.39 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. Despite taking place against the backdrop of a bleak setting in the cold winter, there is some good color for interior scenes while exteriors are bright. The detail is sharp from the up close objects or characters to the textures on Reeves’ beige jacket. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| The disc includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which displays the snow/windy weather outside which encompasses the front and rear channels while dialogue levels came through the center speaker with good clarity. |
OVERALL – 2.75/5 |
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Overall, Siberia had the opportunity to be a compelling little crime-drama along the lines of A Simple Plan (same author and screenwriter) and although Ana Ularu was impressive in her performance, Keanu Reeves was a bit flat with some tepid dialogue. The Blu-ray release offers up great video and good audio transfers but the lone featurette wasn’t anything notable. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.