Joe Somebody on DVD
As far as movies go, it doesnt get much more by-the-numbers
than Joe Somebody.
It progresses exactly as we suspect it will, not throwing a single
surprise our way. But at least it manages to be relatively enjoyable at the
same time.
Joe Scheffer (Tim Allen) is a nobody. Hes ignored by his
coworkers, divorced by his wife, and was even passed over for a promotion that
he very much deserved. Then, on bring your daughter to work day,
hes beaten up by the office bully over a parking spot.
After falling into a pit of alcoholic depression, he finally
decides that he wants to be somebody. He challenges the bully to a rematch,
takes some fighting lessons, and all of a sudden hes the most popular Joe
in the building.
Will Joe end up fighting the bully, or will he realize that he
doesnt need to fight to prove himself? I think we all know the answer to
that.
Its advertised as a family comedy, but its hard to
tell exactly who its aimed at. It seems a little too mature for kids, but
not quite mature enough for adults. It offers a few laughs, but theres
nothing memorable.
Jim Belushi turns in an amusing supporting performance, but
otherwise the film lacks any zing.
Joe Somebody has a heartwarming message, which in many cases is
cringe inducing, but it doesnt shove it down your throat in this case, so
its tolerable. If the whole family is looking for a movie to watch
together, this might make a decent rental.
As usual, Fox has provided a pretty good DVD, despite Joes
failure to ignite the box office last Christmas. Youre given a choice of
1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen or full screen, and the picture is pretty good.
Theres nothing notable, but theres nothing really wrong with it,
either. Its a little soft in a few places, but is otherwise quite decent.
The soundtrack is done in 5.1 Dolby Digital, but it would have
worked just as well if it were stereo. What you get out of the front channels
sounds good enough, and you probably wont even notice the lack of
rears.
Extras include a commentary by director John Pasquin and producer
Brian Reilly, four short deleted scenes with optional commentary, and a short
fight choreography featurette.
Joe Somebody, from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
100 minutes, anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) 16X9 enhanced, 5.1 Dolby Digital
Starring Tim Allen, Julie Bowen, Kelly Lynch, Hayden Panettiere and Jim
Belushi
Produced by Arnold Kopelson, Anne Kopelson, Matthew Gross, Ken Atchity,
Brian Reilly
Written by John Scott Shepherd
Directed by John
Pasquin
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