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Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Right Kind of Wrong Blu-ray Review

Reviewed by Jami Ferguson
Leo Palamino is a failed-writer-turned-dishwasher made famous for his many flaws and shortcomings in a blog called “Why You Suck,” a huge Internet success written by his ex-wife. Then Leo meets Colette, the girl of his dreams… on the day she is marrying the perfect man. And so, the ultimate underdog story begins as Leo, a fearless dreamer, risks all to show Colette and the whole wide world all that is right with a man famous for being wrong.


Film (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
As the opening credits roll I’m immediately surprised by a familiar name, Ryan McPartlin.  Before I can remember where I know the name from I see the actor and am reminded that he played Devon Woodcomb aka Captain Awesome on the TV show "Chuck."  The combination of Ryan Kwanten and Ryan McPartlin makes me glad I didn’t pass this one by.

Leo Palomino (Kwanten) is an unsuccessful writer.  His book was published by his friend Neil (Will Sasso), bankrupting both men. Neil is now publishing a free paper whose highlight is the free coupons for local businesses. Neil’s wife Jill (Jennifer Baxter) is an artist, whose paintings support their family. Leo’s wife Julie (Kristen Hager, Being Human) has started a blog called “Why You Suck” detailing Leo’s faults and flaws for the world to see.  After she left Leo the block became so popular that it became a book and Julie is now on television promoting it. Julie has become a more successful author than Leo.  Leo works as a dishwasher in his friend’s restaurant and often spends his time at home sulking in his pajamas.

One day everything changes for Leo when he sees a wedding at the church across the street from his apartment.  The bride Colette (Sara Canning, "The Vampire Diaries") is marrying Danny (Ryan McPartlin, "Chuck").  Danny is handsome, successful and the couple appears very happy. Leo is certain that he belongs with Colette and starts his pursuit by crashing her wedding. After hitting on the bride at the reception, Leo continues to pursue and irritate Colette. Her new husband is a former Olympian; he’s tall, handsome, and rich.  Leo is messy, disorganized but deep down very sweet.  He literally stalks Colette and learns that there is another side to her and it doesn’t match up with her new husband.

Colette’s estranged mother (Catherine O’Hara) supports Leo in the idea that Danny is wrong for Colette.  Colette offers environmental/nature tours.  She teaches her clients to listen to the beauty of the river below the pavement and flips off the men who pave paradise.  Danny recently owned a Hummer. Colette has a secret trailer that means more to her than the spacious home her new husband surprised her with. Leo is persistent and Colette is forced to take a look at who she really is when deciding who she belongs with.  

Director Jeremiah Chechik is the man behind one of my all-time favorite movie – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  Actor Ryan Kwanten is the man behind many of my favorite shirtless scenes from HBO’s "True Blood." This combination made me agree to review a movie that I've never heard of and would probably have passed on, assuming it was going to be just like any one of a thousand romantic comedies. I recently took a chance on another Ryan Kwanten film, Knights of Badassdom, which turned out to be nothing like I expected but pleasantly surprising. I

The Right Kind of Wrong is a better than average chick flick. It was different and had some very interesting characters.  It’s not altogether plausible. In real life, Leo would have been served with a restraining order almost immediately but I don’t contend that chick flicks have many similarities to real life. If you want to believe that the loser gets the girl, this film is for you. I could have done without Leo’s plate/spatula juggling but overall I enjoyed it. It’s a quirky, peculiar film and it’s worth watching. 
Video (4 out of 5 stars)
The Right Kind of Wrong is presented on Blu-ray and shot on a remarkable landscape. The color palette appears purposefully skewed (some colors exaggerated other minimized) but the skin tones are accurate.  I expected to see a discussion of this in the special features but it was not mentioned. I was curious as to why they chose to alter the environment. Detail and clarity is very good throughout the film.
Audio (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The Right Kind of Wrong’s 5.1 DTS-HD MA track wasn’t tested by special effects and explosions but it was very important for the score. Leo’s kitchen tool juggling and dish tossing offered a chance to pick up some small details but it’s a dialogue driven film. Dialogue throughout is even and audible and the track left little reason for complaint. 
Extras (2 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The collection of special features did not talk about aspects like the color palette I had hoped, but did offer a behind the scenes look and amusing promo. 

The Blu-ray disc contained the following special features:
  • Deleted Scenes – Three deleted scenes including an alternate opening.
  • Behind the Scenes – A brief look at the behind the scenes action including cast, director and producer interviews.
  • The Music – The film’s composer, the director and the producer discuss the soundtrack.
  • The Right Kind of Wrong Rap – Less than a minute, and well worth watching.
  • A look at The Right Kind of WrongAn expanded trailer with pieced from the Behind the Scenes featurette, lasts just under three minutes.
  • Trailer
  • Also from Magnolia – Trailers for Best Night Ever, Nymphomaniac: Volume I and Alan Partridge along with a commercials for Chideo and AXS TV.
  • BD- Live – This feature was not available at the time of viewing.

Summary (3 out of 5 stars)
The Right Kind of Wrong is a chick flick with a few unexpected elements that set it apart from your standard chick flick.  In real life, the film’s main character would have ended up in jail after violating one of many restraining orders but I think we can all agree that most chick flicks have little to do with real life.  There were a few surprises (actors I’d heard of) and the film was well made, well-acted and worth watching.  If you happen to be a fan of Ryan Kwanten that certainly helps but don’t expect the graphic nudity you are used to in "True Blood."  The Blu-ray disc looks and sounds good and the special features are adequate, although not terribly exciting.  This is definitely worth your time, but you might want to rent vs. buy as it’s not the type of chick flick a chick would watch over and over without getting bored.
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