xxharrison

Written, directed and starring BJ Novak. V tells the story of podcaster Ben, drawn away from his self regarding NY life to Texas and the funeral of forgotten ex girlriend Abilene. Boyd Holbrook is the girl's brother who tries to enlist Ben in vengeance for his sister's drug overdose death. Ben, instead, embarks on a podcast which engages him more than he would have thought. A man of unexplored shallows, he finds himself immersed in her story and that of the small town Texan hicks where she lived. Great comic dialogue and situations, but with a real heart, and a devoloping complex mystery which actually does comment on the human condition. Podcasting and related social technology are fondly derided, but do find a useful place, beside a growing passion and raw profundity within the cast which includes Ashton Kucher as a recording Svengali. Great slice of offbeat Americana. Funny, sometimes moving, and surprisingly sincere.

Wahlberg plays a working guy roped in to shadowy spy unit, The Union, by ex girlriend Berry. The opening scene sees Berry the only survivor of a botched mission in Trieste. All her comrades are shot while she survives a limp wristed karate attack. Hmmmm. Time to get an ordinary guy to save the world. Such a daft premise could only succeed in a comedy, but The Union forgets to be funny. There's loads of shooting and shouting, while explosions and an extremely loud sound level with an intrusive, even louder soundtrack ensure the film packs plenty of volume. But volume doesn't necessarily equate with comedy. It might not suppress the wit and character of the two leads; when have Wahlberg and Berry ever shown any character; but it does drown out much of the dialogue. Probably no harm. Leave your brain at the door? Bring earmuffs? Just don't watch the thing. A script for and by people who stick fridge magnets to their foreheads is never going to engage.

This looks like a good drama, but it doesn't sound like one. A combination of mumbling, muddy sound production and overbearing soundtrack make most of the dialogue unintelligible. This is a common complaint but it needs to be made. Otherwise, what's the point? Can't see any comparisons with Happy Valley. They're both in Lancashire, full stop. The flashback sequences were obscure to begin with although this makes for an interesting plot element. Plot and character are ok (I think) but foregrounding issues doesn't work if you can't make out what the characters are saying. Ember is an unconvincing lead and her dialogue is rushed as well as whispered.