Based on a visionary ecological concept by director Alexander Payne and his longtime collaborator Jim Taylor, this ambitious social satire soon becomes more of a slog than a satisfying sci-fi adventure. Representing Everyman, mild-mannered Paul Safranek (Matt Damon), an occupational therapist at the Omaha Steaks Company, and his wife Audrey (Kristen Wiig) dream of being able to afford the good life—someday. Facing the world's overpopulation crisis, scientists develop an ingenious solution that can shrink humans to five inches tall. And as a Norwegian doctor (Rolf Lassgård) points out, money goes a lot further in a miniature world, meaning that an average, middle-class couple can live like millionaires. Captivated by a pep talk from former classmate Dave (Jason Sudekis) and seduced by the promise of luxuries beyond their wildest dreams, Paul and Audrey agree to undergo the controversial—and irreversible—procedure. But at the last minute, Audrey becomes terrified, leaving Paul alone in the new Leisureland Estates community for small people. At this point, the intriguing premise shifts to a more predictable story with less humor. Paul is befriended by his hedonistic neighbor (Christoph Waltz) and Vietnamese refugee Ngoc Lan Tran (Hong Chau), limping on an ill-fitting prosthetic leg, who introduces Paul to the impoverished "miniature masses" dwelling in tenements, which alters his perspective of this so-called utopia. Eventually the story shifts focus to an impending ecological disaster that makes the once-fascinating shrinkage concept irrelevant. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “A Visual Journey” (14 min.), “Working with Alexander” on director Alexander Payne (13 min.), “The Cast” (12 min.), “A Matter of Perspective” (10 min.), “That Smile” (7 min.), and “A Global Concern” (7 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing satire.] (S. Granger)
Downsizing
Paramount, 135 min., R, DVD: $30.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $39.99, Mar. 20 Volume 33, Issue 2
Downsizing
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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