Categories: Movie Reviews

Kill The Messenger – Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Chris Eberle

Synopsis

Investigative reporter Gary Webb works for a small newspaper in San Jose covering drug-related crime. One day he receives a mysterious phone call from a woman claiming to have evidence of US Government involvement in drug trafficking. Webb starts digging and learns from several sources that the CIA has indeed aided in the delivery of cocaine into the US in order to raise money for Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Webb publishes a story called “Dark Alliance” which immediately causes backlash from other newspapers and the CIA. They are all seeking to discredit Webb by questioning his sources. The smear campaign results in Webb’s resignation and the destruction of his career as his newspaper backs away from the story.

Specifications

Universal
2014, Color, Rated R, 1 Hr 52 mins
5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 2.40:1 Aspect Ratio
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rosemarie DeWitt
Directed by Michael Cuesta

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:
Violence: No
Sex: No
Language: Yes

Commentary

This film is based on a true story derived from Gary Webb’s book “Dark Alliance” and a newer work written in 2013 called “Kill The Messenger” by journalist Nick Schou. From what I’ve read about Webb and the events portrayed in the film, it seems to be pretty accurate. It’s chilling stuff to be sure. The movie itself is a little over-simplified but it makes for a well-paced thriller that never resorts to violence. There are no slow points to bog the story down and it draws you in from the very beginning. My litmus test for films like this is – do I want to read more on the subject afterward? The answer is a resounding yes. As I write this, I’ve pulled up articles on Gary Webb, Iran-Contra and other events portrayed in the movie. It’s definitely thought-provoking and makes for an excellent political drama; highly recommended.

Technical

In an effort to provide a vintage-90s feel (1996 to be exact) the film-makers have warmed up the color palette a bit. The image is also a tad soft although there are moments when detail pops a bit more. Contrast is solid and blacks look deep in the darker scenes. A little extra film-grain adds to the period look but does not distract.

The audio is very dialog-heavy with music used sparingly. This Blu-ray won’t make onto your top five theater demo list but voices and ambient effects are always clear and crisp. There is very little material for the surround or sub-woofer channels but given the material, it’s an appropriate decision.

Extras

Bonus features include shorts about casting, filming on-location and a documentary about crack in America. There are also deleted scenes and audio commentary by the director. The package contains a Blu-ray, DVD and a digital copy.

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.