DVD
REVIEW:
HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND
ALIENATE PEOPLE
02/15/09
SYNOPSIS: How to
Lose Friends and Alienate People follows the escapades of
Sidney Young (Pegg), a small-time aspiring British celebrity
journalist who is hired by an upscale magazine after
catching the attention of Clayton Harding (Bridges) during
an event by creating a ridiculous scene with the help of a
wild pig. Turning in a new direction, Sidney begins his
descent into success and re-establishes himself from lonely
outsider to confidante of starlet Sophie Maes (Fox), and
enters into a love affair with colleague Alison Olsen (Dunst)
that will either make him or break him.
REVIEW: So Simon Pegg is
starring in another movie. Should we expect something along
the lines of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz? The answer is a
definite no. This comedy, with a splash of romance, will
surprise you with its wit and intelligence. It is very funny
with a touch of charming. Simon gives glimpses of the depth
of his acting talent. He really shines in this picture and
pretty much takes it over, but not from lackluster
performances of his co-stars, it’s just that he was that
good. His co-stars also shine with decent performances.
Kirsten Dunst was sharp and complimented Simon very nicely.
Jeff Bridges gave a strong, intimidating performance as
Sidney Young’s (Simon Pegg) boss. Megan Fox has one of the
most appropriate last names of anyone I know. She expertly
plays Sophie Maes, a young, spoiled, not-so-bright up and
coming movie star/sex symbol who is willing to do almost any
stunt to be on everyone’s headlines. She plays the role
almost too good; like it was second nature to her. Put this
all together and add a reasonable storyline that actually
takes a back seat to the hilarious situations and
interactions between these delightful characters and you’ve
got a very fun movie to watch.
Although the title of this film might get your attention,
many might think it to be corny and I agree. It really
doesn’t do the film justice even though it certainly
applies. It is the title of the book of which this movie is
based and I have a feeling that it is more appropriate as
the title of the book than as the title of this movie. But
regardless, don’t let the title of this movie throw you off
in regards to the quality of it. It will surprise you. The
lovable character Sidney Young has but one goal in life, to
somehow get “in” the celebrity world. He is a struggling
journalist whose ideals and lack of tact severely clash with
the people in that world, thus the title. In order for
someone to be good at losing friends and alienating people,
you know the script has got to be sharp, witty, sarcastic,
and quick. In this case it is all of the above which helped
make the film that much more enjoyable. The primary back
drops for this movie are appropriately the two major
celebrity capitals of this country, L.A. and N.Y., and they
are both represented in all their glory.
This is the first major motion picture direction for Robert
B. Weide who has done a lot of TV work. He did a great job
of connecting the viewer with the various characters in such
a brief and subtle way as well as keeping the viewer tuned
in via the comedy and quick pace of the film. All I can say
is that I was surrounded by hard and loud laughter
throughout the movie so I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
if you give this movie a chance.
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
DVD: The How to Lose
Friends and Alienate People DVD is presented in widescreen
(1.85:1) format with English 5.1 Dolby Surround sound and
English, French and Spanish subtitles. Bonus features
include audio commentaries with director Robert Weide and
star Simon Pegg and a making of featurette “Sharp
Interviews.”
VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) 16x9
AUDIO:
English 5.1 (Dolby Digital).2.0
(Dolby Digital)
Subtitles - English Spanish - Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Audio commentary with Director
Robert Weide and star Simon Pegg
Audio commentary with Director
Robert Weide
Making of Featuratte:
A good 19 minutes documentary about the film production. The
documentary tell us all about how the film was created, cast
selection and directors' ideas for the film.
(18:48)
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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VIDEO |
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AUDIO |
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