Synopsis

Gloria is an out-of-work party girl forced to leave her life in New York City, and move back home. When reports surface that a giant creature is destroying Seoul, she gradually comes to the realization that she is somehow connected to this phenomenon.

Colossal - Blu-Ray Movie Review

Specifications
Colossal - Movie Cover
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
1080p, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
2016, Rated R, 1 hour 49 minutes
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudekis, Dan Stevens, Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson
Directed by: Nacho Vigalondo

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Moderate
Sex: No
Language: Yes

Commentary

Colossal - Blu-Ray Movie

Colossal seems like a pretty straight forward action flick from its description, and can definitely be enjoyed as such. However, the beauty of the film is that it is so much more. After staying out all night and doing stupid things while drunk, Gloria’s boyfriend Tim finally kicks her out telling her to get her life in order. Gloria retreats back to her childhood home at the same time as a huge monster crisis unfolds halfway around the world in Seoul, South Korea. As she soon learns, she is connected to the monster in a most unimaginable way. She also reconnects with Oscar, one of her good friends from when she was a kid. He helps her get back on her feet and seemingly is the most benevolent guy, but things veer into an unexpected and interesting direction.

Colossal - Blu-Ray Review

The film harkens to the “butterfly effect” theory – wherein if a butterfly flaps its wings in Australia, will it cause a hurricane off the Pacific coast of the USA? However, here, the butterfly’s wings are basically Oscar and Gloria, and their interaction is like the flapping. Their personal histories together, along with how their lives have played out culminate in a dysfunctional relationship that affects an entire population halfway around the world. They both treat this immense power quite differently. On the one hand Gloria is terrified of what her actions can do to others and quickly resolves to prevent any further effects. On the other hand, Oscar, who is already distraught with how “ordinary” his life has become decides to make the most of his newfound power.

Colossal - Movie Review

Jason Sudekis, normally an actor that does straight up comedic roles, does a terrific job as Oscar. He exudes a touch of crazy that causes you to never quite trust his intentions, even when he appears to be a completely helpful and caring person. Anne Hathaway is outstanding as well, delivering a performance that really shows the growth of her character from irresponsible party animal to a concerned citizen on the path to getting her life back on track. The two have an interplay that works exceptionally well, especially when they start realizing the connection to the monster.

Colossal - Blu-Ray Movie

I have to say, the film evoked many adjectives for me – unique, campy, funny, unexpected, dark, silly all among them. I can see this becoming a cult film at some point. As it is stands, I really enjoyed the movie and hope to see more from Vigalondo in the future. He created a film that really is more than the sum of its parts.

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Technical

From an audiovisual perspective, the film doesn’t provide any wow factors, but it does look and sound good. The effects of the monster look somewhat corny, which I am guessing is purposefully done. We do get some nice bass effects when the monster is walking around Korea, as well as during the flashback scene that gives a quasi-explanation of how the story began.

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Extras
  • Digital Copy of Colossal
  • Deleted Scenes