Adam – DVD Review

The Film:

For all of the good intentions and charm actors Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne bring, Adam isn’t quite the touted romantic comedy of any real touching insights as many claimed. Instead, it goes off into tangents its unable to focus on, much like the Asperger’s syndrome the lead character of Adam has. It’s a distant cousin to Rain Man, and while it’s unfair to really be down on a film who’s character suffers from a disorder many might not know about, Adam just lurks along. With some theaters offering free screenings to people with Asperger’s syndrome, most of the good intentions are wasted on the unfocused screenplay.

Adam is smiting with his new neighbor Beth, but when he is let go from his job, Adam must dig deep, despite his condition, to find a place and sense of normalcy. What is Asperger syndrome you ask? It’s a mental disorder, form of autism, where the person has difficulties with social situations, yet do repetitive tasks or routines. Hugh Dancy plays Adam with a tenderness needed, but sometimes the script really doesn’t give him much to develop, outside of situations meant to show us his disorder. Rose Byrne is truly exceptional here, often carrying the flawed script. Combining these two, the film almost ascends as I think many thought it would have.

The film follows too many subplots, one involving some bad decisions Beth’s father makes, and her desire to write a book, all the while trying to juggle a weak love story and character arcs. For 95 minutes, following a love story, and Adam’s attempt to find a new job is enough. I know where Max Mayer’s heart and ideas were, but it doesn’t gel like it needed too. Adam is oddly sweet, yet untouched by a better script, despite strong lead performances. I applaud Adam‘s non-Lifetime Channel handling of everything related to Asperger, though Adam isn’t quite the champion they needed, since his arc feels like a safe cop-out. Too bad, because Adam had enormous potential.

The DVD:

Audio/Video: Fox delivers a superb looking film. Colors are bright and natural. Black levels are ink like, making this a fine looking DVD. The audio is equally good, with dialogue being a priority, yet music and mild bass fill the surround sound with a warm presence. A high def presentation could only be a smidge better, as this is a great DVD release.

Commentary: Director Max Mayer offers up a rather dry track with his producer, who rarely chimes in. It’s a track one would rather bounce around on, hitting moments that they wish to hear a few comments on, rather than a full listen.

Alternative Ending: This is pretty interesting. Here, we have an ending that is shorter, less emotionally tugging, but it serves as a different feeling to the film. I sense many might like this, over what they saw theatrically.

Creating Adam: A pure EPK piece. Pass.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: Life After Film School with Rose Byrne: This had potential, but either these kids that ask Ms. Byrne the questions are failures in film school, or just haven’t read Killer Film, because the questions they ask are plain dumb. Safe and EPK.

Deleted Scenes with optional commentary are here, featuring one good scene that foreshadows the third act.

Conclusion: Adam is okay, but potential was left unused. Fox’s DVD is a great effort visually/audio-wise for fans, but very weak extras. Worth renting, regardless.

The Film: Rating:

The DVD: Rating: