MR DEEDS

    This reviewer, with the exception of "Happy Gillmore" doesn't like Adam
Sandler.  While "Mr. Deeds" is not in the same league as "GILLMORE", it's still
far better than most of his undeservedly successful films. And, it's like a
"Bertolluci masterpiece" when compared to, say,..."Little Nicky", but that's
still not saying a whole lot!

        Based on a Capra classic, "Deeds" is a guy from a small town, getting by
day-to-day, by creating holiday cards, delivering food, and trying to be a
decent guy.  When he finds out he's the only heir to a media dynasty, "Blake
Media", he runs to New York for some solitude. 

Winona Ryder plays a reporter trying to write a big story about the man about to
inherit 40 billion dollars, hiding her real purpose by posing as a school nurse.
Using a hidden camera, the tv gossip show she works for, begins to air dirt on
Mr. Deeds

Peter Gallagher, whom runs the media dynasty, wants to sell it off, and sees his
chance by working with the tv show to discredit Deeds, making him give up claim
to the inheritance, so he and other shareholders can become even richer.  But,
Deeds only wants to help people, and though he doesn't want any money for
himself, he finds out about Gallagher's plan, and Ryder works with him to devise
a way to save the company, inheritance, and thousands of jobs along the way. 
While Sandler's not as obnoxious here as he is in most his films, his character
is still annoying at times.  The humor is inconsistent as well, at times
succumbing to slapstick, and at other times, it's just mean-spirited.  The only
really good thing about the film is John Turturro, and he's not in it enough!

        COLUMBIA TRISTAR has presented the film with its correct 1.85:1 aspect
ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  There's some grain, but overall, the transfer is
excellent! Colors are vibrant throughout, and there's great depth and clarity in
every scene. Contrast is also quite good, with deep blacks and grays.

        The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is aggressive.  There is an abundance of
surround effects, and the music adds greatly to the film, engulfing the
audience,without drowning out the dialogue.  Dialogue is clear and intelligible,
although there are a few instances where it gets lost to an effect.

COLUMBIA TRISTAR has included a commentary with Director Steven Brill and writer
Tim Herlihy(a long-time Sandler collaborator)While fans of the film will
appreciate it, there's little information given relevant to filmmaking in
general, or the classic film that inspired it.

Three brief documentaries are also included. One "FROM MANDRAKE FALLS TO
MANHATTAN" is pretty in-depth, offering interviews and clips from the original
film.  The other two mini-documentaries are somewhat of a lackluster.  "CLOTHES
MAKES THE MAN" looks at the differences between costuming in the original film
and this one.  "SPARE NO EXPENSE" examines the production design in terms of the
regal lifestyle trying to be displayed in the film, while on-budget.

There are deleted scenes, but "none" of them were worth keeping,and they're not
even worth watching!

Fans of the Dave Matthews Band will enjoy the music video to "WHERE ARE YOU
GOING" which is included here.