Company man

 After hearing that the director of PARAMOUNT’s “COMPANY MAN”, Douglas McGrath, is the same man responsible for writing “EMMA” and “BULLETS OVER BROADWAY”, our expectations were too optimistic about this film.  The film’s premise, McGrath plays a Driver’s Ed instructor who pretends to be a CIA agent to appease his wife, annoyed at his lackluster real job. 

 Through bizarre twists, his character actually becomes party to some historical events, most of which center on pre-revolutionary Cuba.  None of the events taking place seem even remotely believable, and while it’s great to see talented actors in supporting roles, they can’t do anything with a horrible script! It’s troubling to see Woody Allen appearing in the horrible role he’s been given.  In “Company Man”, at least the cast suffers along with the audience!  Even with a running time of 81 minutes, the film feels too long.  Perhaps there’s a lot missing that would tie up things, but there’s already so much here that does nothing to keep the film moving at more than a snail’s pace!

 PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The detail is excellent here, offering a slick image throughout the film.  The contrast is also excellent, with deep blacks and grays. 

 The soundmix offers a Dolby 2.0 track.  There are no surround speakers tracks, and this being a “talky” movie, dialogue is centered on front correctly. There is no distortion.