The movie critique portion of this review was written by my colleague Michele Arbir.
Twenty-Five years is how long it’s been since Two If By Sea was released. You’re probably saying, “What? Never heard of it!” Or very unlikely, “That’s the movie where Denis Leary was in a romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock and he somehow got top billing over her.” Now am I ringing any bells? I’m guessing maybe not since the film didn’t do very well at the box office. Nevertheless, it came across my desk and the presence of Sandra Bullock caught my eye. Needless to say, I was quite surprised that I had neither seen nor heard of it because I’m a huge Sandy Bullock fan. That, folks, is why I decided to dive in and see what possible treasures were in store for me.
Roz (Sandra Bullock) has pretty much had it up to her eyeballs with her thieving boyfriend, Frank (Denis Leary), but he talks her into accompanying him on a road trip to an offbeat New England village where, incidentally, he will be fencing a painting he recently acquired. These wage-earners/lovers try to sort out their relationship while mingling with the local beach-dwellers. Meanwhile, a federal agent, O’Malley (Yaphet Kotto), is hot on their trail, pursuing the priceless artwork the couple unknowingly possesses.
The most important thing in every romantic comedy is the chemistry between the two lead characters. Sandra Bullock plays a woman with more edge and does the role quite well. She shows when it comes to being sassy she can pull it off. I was so reminded of Marisa Tomei’s New York accent that is so iconic it helped her land an Oscar for My Cousin Vinny. Leary and Bullock’s characters spend most of the film bickering. I can’t say it was the funniest to watch. What has me baffled is the lack of chemistry between these two. How can you not have chemistry with Sandra? Even if she and I were in a room together, I bet we would have chemistry – as a matter of fact, I guarantee it. Even in the intimate moments, there aren’t any sparks where there should be. I’m not saying I don’t like Leary, over the years I’ve seen him in many things and laughed, but in this role he just doesn’t pull off warm and likable. It doesn’t help that his character is a downright loser. I expect a little more from the talented Mr. Leary.
Frank is also a klutz, and I think this characteristic could have been written out. The film was written by Leary, Ann Lembeck, and Mike Armstrong, and I think they were trying to make Frank a “charming guy.” Instead of coming off as a charming loser, he is just a clownish loser. Reviews of the film were not good and Leary blamed director Bill Bennett, to whom he threw back the blame because it was Leary’s story. For me, I think it had the right ingredients but maybe not the right package.
Bullock is the reason to watch this movie. Her effortless charm, friendly presence, badass outfit and attitude is the bright spot in the movie. Forewarning: it is more than a little cheesy but it was worth the watch, not horrible but entertaining enough.
Video Quality
Two If By Sea gets a pleasing upgrade on Blu-Ray courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment with a 1080p master in the original aspect ratio. The transfer does not seem to be a new, polished-up master, but the basic high definition transfer is pretty great as it provides natural film grain with only the occasional specks of damage. This disc is very strong despite the age of the transfer. This is a film that exudes a natural color palette which this transfer shows with no fluctuations in saturation. Skin tones look natural, and the presentation offers up some fairly deep black level. The disc shows off some excellent details in most instances. Mill Creek Entertainment has provided a better-than-average transfer for a film that has been missing in action on Blu-Ray.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that is capable and well balanced. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without being overwhelmed by any of the other sounds. Environmental effects play a minor role in the film, but this track brings these elements to life quite splendidly. The use of the rear channels to create a fully enveloping world works quite well. The directionality is quite precise so sounds always present as natural when coming from their respective points. This movie is not an action powerhouse, but activity in the low end is experienced in points. Mill Creek Entertainment has delivered a stable track for a film that capably brings this environment to life.
Special Features
- Theatrical Trailer: The two-minute theatrical trailer is included here.
Final Thoughts
Two If By Sea has an intriguing cast, but it rarely utilizes them to their full potential. The film is firmly in the lowest tier of everyone’s career. There are a few amusing moments, but mostly the script disappoints in a major way. If the film had bothered to cast someone who had chemistry with Bullock, it is possible someone might have actually remembered this one. On a technical level the film achieves something nice as Cinematographer Andrew Lesnie captures the environments quite beautifully. Mill Creek Entertainment does provide a really solid A/V presentation for those who do have a desire to check this one out.
Two If By Sea is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Mill Creek Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
