DVD
REVIEW:
The Ex
08/19/07
When films bet on their
cast to be rescued from weak scripts, then there is a
problem. That's is why films like "The Ex" fall behind the
pack. The problem for this film started as soon as it was
completed. Originally the film was released with the title
"Fast Track" with a limited US release back on December 29
2006. Since the film did not get a big buzz by the critics
and the title didn't make any sense, the release expansion was put on hold. On May 11 2007 the
movie was released with the title "The Ex" which for
sure makes more sense than "Fast Track".
Here is why.
When Tom Reilly (Zach Braff)
and his wife Sofia (Amanda Peet) are getting ready for their
newborn, they decide that Sofia will be a stay at home mom
and Tom will be the income supporter for the family.
Plans change very fast when on the same day the new baby is
born, and Tom gets fired from his job. Desperate and trying
to keep his family together. Tom moves to Ohio to take a job
offer from his father in law (Charles Grodin). In his first
day of work Tom soon finds out that he will be working under
the supervision of Chip (Jason Bateman), Sofia's high school
boyfriend, who still have feelings for her. Now Tom will
have to fight to keep Sofia and his job.
Twenty minutes into the
movie the feeling that this film is not going anywhere is
imminent. The whole scenario of the company "Sunburst
Communications" is unreal, giving the fact that it is an
advertising company. Things like throwing an invisible ball
among co-workers to reflect team work, or the use of
oriental mediation techniques to run a company are just
absurd. Maybe a more realistic atmosphere for this type of
company would have given the film a different look. Like in
many of this type of films the screenplay relies too much in
creating an idiotic working place instead of creating an
intelligent atmosphere with comedy.
The cast did the best they
could with this screenplay keeping the film a little
interesting . Like in the "Garden State" Tom Reilly did and
excellent job managing his specialty, dark comedy.
Through such skill and ability he gives us the few funny
scenes of the movie. It was also nice to see Jason
Bateman and Amanda Peet's performances in this film. Their
nature for comedy is imperative.
"The Ex" is a film that
will keep you entertained for one hour and twenty minutes,
but it will leave you empty at the end.
VIDEO:
Widescreen Enhanced for 16:9 TVs
AUDIO:
Dolby
Digital 5.1 Surround Sound - English
Subtitles - English SDH Spanish - Optional
BONUS FEATURES:
Deleted Scenes: 9
funny
deleted scenes. Some of these scenes are worth watching.
Especially some of the scenes in the office.
Alternate
Ending: 3 alternative endings including the
theatrical ending.
Blooper Reel:
2 minutes and 40 seconds of outtakes, It is wroth
checking these out.
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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