Irrational Man is not nearly one of Woody Allen’s greatest films, a far cry from Midnight in Paris which was a magical film or comes close to his older classics, but it’s got its certain dark charms especially with the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone.
Irrational Man
(2015)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Drama, Crime
Sony | R – 95 min. – $34.99 | January 12, 2016
Date Published: 01/10/2016 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE – 3.0/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Soon after arriving to teach at a small town college, Abe Lucas (JOAQUIN PHOENIX) gets involved with two women: Rita Richards (PARKER POSEY), a lonely professor who wants him to rescue her from her unhappy marriage; and Jill Pollard (EMMA STONE), his best student, who becomes his closest friend. While Jill loves her boyfriend Roy (JAMIE BLACKLEY), she finds Abe’s tortured, artistic personality and exotic past irresistible. Pure chance changes everything when Abe and Jill overhear a stranger’s conversation, and when Abe makes a profound choice, he is able to embrace life to the fullest again. But his decision sets off a chain of events that will affect him, Jill and Rita forever. Quick Hit Review: Irrational Man is a bit of an oddball of a film even by Woody Allen’s standards, a mixture of Manhattan and Match Point, and in some ways, it’s not an entirely bad film examining philosophy and morality but unlike Match Point, the finale really isn’t all that fulfilling though it does still possess Allen’s charm in the idea of luck. Although the writing isn’t the strongest, the film at least is serviceable in its entertainment thanks in large part to another engaging performance from Joaquin Phoenix who goes full-on into his role even putting on weight to show the physicality of his character’s depression. The other highlight is Parker Posey who does have a small role but is great in her few scenes. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1.5/5 |
| This release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. The disc is a bit light but does include On the Red Carpet (3:30; HD) with interviews by the cast; a Photo Gallery and the Theatrical Trailer (2:02; HD). |
VIDEO – 4.0/5 |
| Irrational Man finds a reason for life on Blu-ray presented in the film’s original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and given a pleasing 1080p high-definition transfer. Not surprising, but this looks quite good providing consistent and bright colors throughout and detail, while not overly sharp, is more than satisfactory. |
AUDIO – 4.0/5 |
| In a nice surprise, at least for recent Allen movies, this received the full-on 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and although I don’t think it’s anything overpowering, dialogue levels are clear. Sounds generally are spread through each channel and although it’s not exactly a dynamic track or anything, especially since the LFE track doesn’t kick in considering it is a drama, this is a serviceable lossless track. |
OVERALL – 3.25/5 |
| Overall, Irrational Man is not nearly one of Woody Allen’s greatest films, a far cry from Midnight in Paris which was a magical film or comes close to his older classics, but it’s got its certain dark charms especially with the performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone and an interesting turn a third of the way in going from drama to crime-thriller. The Blu-ray released by Sony Pictures offers solid video and audio transfers but a forgettable selection of special features. |
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.