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League Of Ordinary Gentlemen (A)
R1 - America - Magnolia Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (18th April 2006). |
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The Film
 When I think of a professional bowler I immediately picture the Dude from The Big Lebowski (1998) generally fat individual with a t-shirt too small and tight for them, lazy and aimless in their life. Rednecks need apply, it’s not someone you’d take seriously and bowling is not a game that is generally taken seriously. Most people tend to think it’s a rainy day game that they would partake in once a year or so with the family. Who knew there was an actual professional league and that you could complete for prize money? I certainly didn’t, I always thought that these leagues operated within the bowling alleys to win some free nachos or something. The film A League of Ordinary Gentlemen tries to break the stereotype of what a bowler is, and aims to create a sort of legitimacy to what is often perceived as a silly sport. Once upon a time in an era called the 1950’s bowling was a national phenomenon, the game was broadcast every weekend on hundreds of screens across the United States, professional bowlers were celebrities back then. It had a certain respect and following, however over the years things began to change, interest in the sport faded and airtime was shortened until there was none and the concept of professional bowling suddenly lost its standing. Films such as The Big Lebowski and Kingpin (1996) haven’t helped it either, often poking fun at the people who play this sport. This film follows the league as it gets re-invigorated by new investors (former Microsoft executives) who try to bring the sport back to its former glory, we take a look at the lives of four bowlers that compete in the new PBA (professional Bowler’s Association) Walter Ray Williams Jr, Pete Weber, Chris Barnes and Wayne Webb. We get an in-depth look at their careers and their lives trying to support family and responsibility by winning one competition after the next leading up the world championships in Las Vegas. Although the filmmakers are clearly trying to portray this as a serious sport however in all honesty I found this film unintentionally humorous if only for the four main bowlers it covers. Their mannerisms and characteristics are so over the top and silly that it’s almost hard believing they are real people and that this is not just some mockumentary in the style of "This is Spinal Tap (1984) or the later Christopher Guest films. One particular scene has Wayne Webb telling is that addiction led to bankruptcy and that his addiction was the reason why he couldn’t keep a marriage and never had kids - you’d think this guy was addicted to crack or heroin, but no - he confesses that his addiction was karaoke! Now that’s funny. The mannerism of these players on the tour can’t really be taken seriously, Pete Weber‘s crotch chop he does whenever we bowls a strike is so stupid you can’t help but laugh. If it wasn’t for these interesting personalities I probably would have turned this film off sooner, but it kept me glued to the screen for the duration. I don’t think that bowling will reclaim its former glory, but good on these guys for trying, ESPN seems to be covering it and there seems to be enough of a fan base and if you’re having fun then who am I to say otherwise. A League of Ordinary Gentlemen is a fun look at this often made fun of sport, it will likely entertain and maybe inspire a few newcomers to give the sport a try - ok who am I kidding if anything this might turn a few people away from the sport. Overall it’s a lighthearted documentary that doesn’t require too much brain power to get through and should provide a few laughs, check it out if it interests you.
Video
Presented in 1.78:1 widescreen this anamorphic transfer is generally quite good although not entirely excellent. For the most part the footage is sharp however archival material tends to fluctuate in terms of the quality. I noticed some minor edge enhancement and some pixalization in the overall image which may have something to do with the format it was shot in. Colors are quite bold and skin tones are spot on so no complaints there. There’s nothing particularly special about this transfer however nothing that sticks out as an eyesore either.
Audio
Only one audio track is included here, an English Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, for the most part this is a very dialogue driven documentary and the dialogue is clear and distortion free. I felt that the 5.1 track was a bit of a waste since the surround channels were very rarely utilized. A 2.0 Stereo or surround would have been just fine, otherwise no complaints here either. Optional subtitles are also included in Spanish.
Extras
First up we have a series of 5 deleted scenes, these include: - Bowling: The Music Video this is a montage sequence set to music from the 2004 tour. - Superfan takes a look at the PBA’s number 1 fan and how he takes bowling far to seriously, so much so that it takes over his entire life. - Randy Pedersen is an interview with the bowling personality and broadcaster; he’s also a pro bowler himself and competes in tournaments. - Smooth Daddy sees pro bowler Brian Voss as he wins a tournament worth $40,000. - Tinseltown sees RD Miller, a pro bowler dreams of Hollywood superstardom, he’s considered the heartthrob of professional bowling and thinks he can be the next Tom Cruise. Next up are a series of 3 promo spots from ESPN advertising the PBA tour, these are among the finniest clips on this DVD and poke fun at bowling. Although they are just promo spots these are probably the best extras on this disc and are good for repeat viewing as their entertainment value is gold. The spots include: - Oil Patterns in which an instructor tells a class to respect and know the oil used to varnish the bowling surface. - Finishing Work here the instructor shows a class how to have a unique finishing move after bowling a strike. - Follow Through the instructor shows us how to follow through after letting a ball go. Following that is the Skills Challenge Highlights this is a clip that cuts together some trick shots, kind of like the NBA All Star Weekend Slam Dunk Competition only for bowling. PBA Event Clips is an excerpt from ESPN’s coverage of the open game of the 2005 season as they recap the 2004-2005 season and its highlights. Following that is the Dexter Approaches: Tips and Techniques featurette follows pro bowler Randy Pedersen as he teaches novice bowlers some tips and techniques on bowling a tight game. Also include is the film’s original theatrical trailer as well as a series of bonus trailers that round out the disc’s content. The previews included are for: - The World’s Fastest Indian - One Last Thing - HD Net promo spot - Bubble - Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room - Klepto - Pulse - The Seat Filler - The War Within Overall these extras are a little light, however I don’t think there’s anything else they could have out on this disc other than a filmmaker or cast commentary, the ESPN spots are the stand out extras of this disc even though they are short.
Overall
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