Lola Versus Blu-ray Review
Nathan Swank
October 9th, 2012
An independent film about the life of a single woman, LOLA VERSUS attempts to modernize the finding one’s self genre. Unfortunately, while the attempt garners a few laughs, the entire story is empty of substance lacking focus and direction.
After her fiance calls off the marriage weeks before the wedding, Lola’s (Greta Gerwig) life begins to tailspin into a downard spiral. Without much closure from the man she thought she loved, Lola tries to get over him by making a series of misfortunate decisions, usually involving other men. First, Lola finds comfort in her long time friend Henry (Hamish Linklater), who might be the only level headed character in the film. Henry has some of the funniest lines in LOLA VERSUS as he is expresses his anger and disgust with some of her foolish actions. Lola manages to ruin that relationship by not only hooking back up with her immature ex Luke (Joel Kinnaman) and random eccentric oddball Nick (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).
Lola is accompanied by her quirky friend, Alice, played to low key perfection by writer Zoe Liester Jones. As most of the comic relief, Liester Jones’ Alice provides a strong support and chemistry for Gerwig’s Lola. Rounding out the cast as Lola’s supportive, easy going parents are veteran actors Bill Pullman and Debra Winger.
The dialogue is smart with some genuine laugh out loud moments but the story is where the film seems to misfire. Perhaps a few years ago before I was married, I would have like LOLA VERSUS more, but I still think the flaws are too noticeable to ever fully overlook. While all the characters are single approaching thirty, they still seem to be involved in somewhat high school drama that ultimately finding LOLA VERSUS in an ill-fitting relationship swap between Lola, Luke, Henry and Alice.
To be fair, LOLA VERSUS manages to showcase a much more adult look at the lives of singlehood, capturing a fresh take on the demographic at the beginning of the picture. Unfortunately, the film slopes downward into the typical traps that we’ve seen before. Greta Gerwig is a fine actress who has a likable charisma despite her character’s tired missteps.
While the actress is able to overcome her characters constant bad decision, the film itself, can’t quite overcome some of the bland arcs. The locations are lively and vibrant and the film has some strong humorous dialogue. However, as a whole LOLA VERSUS is a little too forgettable to fully recommend.
BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video: (1080p, 1.85:1) Excellent video quality.
Audio: (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1) Very well balanced audio levels.
Commentary with Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones: Typical commentary meaning it’s not the best but fans will be mildly intrigued.
Deleted Scenes (12:30): Eleven scenes and an alternate ending that don’t add anything special to LOLA VERSUS other than a couple of semi funny moments.
Outtakes (2:39): Another unfunny reel of the actors messing around.
Nick the Dick Outtakes (4:45): A lot of unused footage of the actor improvising.
Greta Gerwig: Leading Lady (3:45): The filmmakers talk about how great the actress is.
The Filmmakers (3:29): A more in depth look at LOLA VERSUS director Daryl Wein and writer/actress Zoe Lister-Jones.
Fox Movie Channel Presents: World Premiere (4:58): A handful of red carpet interviews before the premier.
Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Greta Gerwig (4:58): The actress talks about the role and her character intercut with scenes from LOLA VERSUS.
Theatrical Trailer
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