A Good Year: DVD Review

Starring: Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Archie Panjabi, Tom Hollander, and Freddie Highmore

Produced By: Ridley Scott and Erin Upson

Directed by: Ridley Scott

20^th Century Fox

Rated: PG-13

We have seen Russell Crowe play a muscled up Roman gladiator, a schizophrenic genius, a beloved ship's captain with the British Navy, and a Depression era underdog boxer. Mr. Crowe does have a rather diverse resume when it comes to the roles he chooses. He can now add another to his distinguished list, that of romantic leading man. Russell Crowe decides to show off his softer side in his film A Good Year just released on DVD.

Crowe stars as Max Skinner, a somewhat ethically challenged manager of a group of stockholders. He is wealthy and successful, but is generally not a very likeable fellow. His rather flexible morality makes him a jerk of the highest caliber. This becomes obvious when Skinner sets up an associate to take the fall after a bad deal so he can save his own skin, and even more obvious when Skinner has an assistant lie to one of Skinner's one nights stands so he would not have to deal with to situation himself. Max Skinner is typically not the type of guy you would want to bring home to have dinner with your family.

Skinner is at first content using people to further his own career and personal needs though he is not truly happy with whom he is. That is until he inherits the vineyard he spent his childhood located in the French Countryside from his Uncle Henry played by veteran actor Albert Finney. At first Skinner sees this only as an opportunity to increase his own wealth by selling the property off. This attitude changes however, when he visits the vineyard and realizes this may be his last chance to find true happiness. Along this journey, Skinner begins to re-evaluate his priorities and life in general. He is helped with this by the beautiful Gemma played by Archie Panjabi who helps Skinner learn to relax and enjoy life.

Ridley Scott known more for his sweeping epics such as Kingdom of Heaven, Black Hawk Down and Gladiator where he and Crowe teamed up for an Oscar winning performance, was an odd choice of director for this film. He does a good job though especially showing the entire character arc of Max Skinner. Its obvious Scott and Crowe are comfortable with each other and this adds a certain depth to the characters and the film itself.

Russell Crowe proves why he is one of the best actors working today. It is nice to see an actor taking chances and not simply accepting being typecast in similar roles. This will not go down as one of Crowe's most memorable performances, but he definitely pulls off the Max Skinner character. This movie does offer Crowe the ability to show off some of his range as an actor, and I would not be surprised if Crowe tried his hand at tackling a similar role in the future.

The DVD is not exactly loaded with extras, but it does include an interesting featurette "Postcards from Proveno" which takes a closer look at some of the beautiful locations in the film. There is also a promo featuring Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe joking their way through an explanation of the movie. As a special bonus, there are three music videos of Russell Crowe's band, The Ordinary Fear of God. Let's just say, he should stick to acting.

A Good Year is not an overly complicated movie. Its simple plotline of learning life lessons with a bit of romance tossed in is a Hollywood standard. Russell Crowe does shine as the film's star further proving he is perhaps in the top three most gifted actors in the business. With a few minor extras the DVD is worth the investment for fans of Crowe. The movie itself is entertaining, and though somewhat of a "chick-flick", can be enjoyed by everyone.