The Voices (2014) Blu-ray review

Ryan Reynolds’ career seems to be in a constant state of flux. To be fair, that’s the story for many actors, but Reynolds has yet to catch a big cinematic break despite nabbing roles in some high profile pictures. Unfortunately, those pictures were titles such as Green Lantern (2011) or X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). And the less anyone ever says about Blade: Trinity (2004) the better. So, whether because of his big budget bombs or not, Reynolds has been delving into the world of DTV and killing it – literally. He dabbled in playing a mentally unstable character before, with The Amityville Horror (2005) remake, but in The Voices (2014) he veers off into full-on serial killer territory. Think of it as if Patrick Bateman moved out of NYC, got a minimum wage job at a factory and adopted a couple of pets. Add in copious amounts of pitch black humor and the end result is something that’s likely to hit my top ten list once the year is through.

There isn’t a lot to worry about when you’re living in Milton. The quiet suburb is home to a bustling fixtures factory, where Jerry (Ryan Reynolds) is just another happy cog in the corporate wheel. He’s a bit socially awkward but always well-meaning and willing to help out. When he’s asked to assist with planning a little corporate picnic, Jerry agrees; at the meeting he finds himself fawning over Fiona (Gemma Arterton), a hot British import who works in finance. A shrink Jerry sees thinks getting out would be a good thing… assuming he’s still taking his court mandated meds. You are taking your meds, right Jerry? Jerry asks Fiona out, and she agrees in the sort of way that a person who isn’t really interested but can’t quickly think of a good reason to say “no” does. This goes over Jerry’s head and he ramps up his excitement. Their date doesn’t go as planned at all, but when the night is through Jerry still manages to find himself on top of Fiona… sticking a knife in her chest. Whoops. Once he does his best to clean up the mess he made, his two best friends – Bosco and Mr. Whiskers (both voiced by Reynolds), his dog and cat, respectively – discuss with Jerry the ramifications of his actions and whether or not he should get back on his meds or just continue killing people because it seems to be what he does best.

This is one of those films where it isn’t a novel story that sucks you in but, instead, it’s the idiosyncrasies of our lead character that wholly carries it. Reynolds’ Jerry is a weird man who does a lot of very horrible, gruesome things to his very personable co-workers (even Fiona isn’t a complete bitch), but it’s because Reynolds exudes a boyish charm, aided by being easy on the eyes (or so my girlfriend constantly tells me) and you’ve got a serial killer who, again, is not dissimilar to Patrick Bateman in that you can find him almost sympathetic despite his actions. Unlike Bateman, though, Jerry is supposed to be taking meds due to a childhood incident. When he’s off them, that’s when the film immediately thrusts viewers into the dark, decrepit world in which Jerry truly lives. But that place is no fun! Jerry prefers to exist in a fantasy land where everything is in its rightful place, but it’s only visible when he’s not sucking down his prescribed dosage; plus taking those pills means his two best friends – the dog and cat – are nothing more than regular house pets. Jerry’s continually unstable mental state keeps the film feeling fresh right up to the end because his behavior is so unpredictable. Even when you’re expecting him to perform certain actions, watching how Jerry surveys a scene and comes to his decisions based on such ill logic is wonderfully displayed.

The supporting characters serve little function aside from moving the plot along and putting Jerry where he needs to be. Still, credit is due to Anna Kendrick for playing a potential love interest for Jerry, although Jerry is completely clueless in regard to picking up on her obvious hints. There’s usually something a bit too twee about Kendrick for me, but she’s perfect here and a great fit for Jerry since she seems a bit “off”, too. Of course, the film still finds a way to showcase her singing abilities; at least it’s done fittingly.

Who could’ve guessed something this grim and full of gallows humor would come from the Academy Award-nominated director of the French-Iranian animated film Persepolis (2007)? You might’ve if you caught producer Adi Shankar’s name on the back cover, too. He might look like someone opened an Ed Hardy factory in India, yet his filmography shows that he makes bold, original films that usually operate outside the traditional studio chum. The Voices is a dark comedy on the level of John Waters’ Serial Mom (1994), only more gruesome and unsettling. Ryan Reynolds gives a performance that I’d call his best yet and it ends with a choreographed dance for Jesus that is the perfect capper on this off kilter picture.

There’s little fault to be found in the film’s 2.35:1 1080p picture. Lionsgate’s transfer is highly detailed and crisp, displaying a great sense of depth and featuring strong detailing. Contrast is excellent – black levels remain dark and never look hazy. Jerry’s world is always vibrant and bright, with lots of pastels and colorful hues. In contrast, when reality is shown the picture switches to showcase squalid conditions and disgusting living conditions, using darker hues and less lighting. Under all conditions the image holds up beautifully. A few scenes look a tad soft; that’s about the worst I can say.

The English DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround sound track is tremendously effective and engaging. Right from the start the level of immersion is apparent and impressive. Sound effects are well-balanced and separated nicely to allow for audible spacing. The rear speakers are continually aflutter, especially during the thunderstorm when lighting is cracking and thunder booms intensely. The disc also includes a Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound track. Subtitles are included in English, English SDH and Spanish.

“The Voices: From Fridge to Frame” (HD) is more or less a typical EPK, just with a bit more information to go around. It doesn’t get too deep although there are interesting takeaways.

“VFX: The Making of Bosco and Mr. Whiskers” (HD) - The animals talk, their mouths move, and it was of the utmost importance that everything look seamless when shown on screen.

“VFX: Comparison Showreel” (HD) - Shot progressions are shown, from the in-camera image right up through once digital elements have been added.

“The Voices of Ryan Reynolds” (HD) - Reynolds makes some funny faces when voicing the film’s animals. Watch him do just that here.

A handful of deleted scenes (HD) are mostly little bits of exposition, with a lengthy scene that would’ve come near the end of the film where he “talks” to his dad.

Extended scenes (HD) add a bit more to Jerry’s job and his disastrous date with Fiona.

A reel of animatics (HD) shows off the film’s storyboards, with off-screen actors voicing the roles.

“Cast & Costume Sketch Gallery” (HD) shows off 18 images of the film’s characters and their looks.