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  Directed by
  Starring
  Specs
  • Widescreen 1.78:1
  • 16:9 Enhanced
  Languages
  • English: Dolby Digital Surround
  Subtitles
  • None
  Extras
  • Theatrical trailer
Framed
Universal/Universal . R4 . COLOR . 87 mins . M15+ . PAL

  Feature
Contract

Framed is based on a book by best selling author Lynda La Plante, famed for her popular mystery books that have been made into several telemovies and mini series', primarily in England. This time around the setting is New York, but the theme is one that will be familiar to readers of her books.

Mike Santini (Rob Lowe) is a New York detective who is on vacation with his family when he spots a yacht anchored offshore. He notices a man that looks familiar and, after some investigation (that’s what detectives do), he discovers the man is Eddie Meyers (Sam Neill), who has been on the run for quite some time. Meyers was supposed to be a key witness in a money laundering trial, but he vanished. Now that Santini has found him, he is taken back into custody and agrees to give evidence. This time, however, he will only talk to Santini, the man that found him.

Meyers is put into a safe house and through a joint operation between the NYPD and the FBI, Santini is brought in to ask questions. Meyers has taken a liking to Santini and through some Silence of the Lambs-like mind games develops a friendship. Santini gets very involved in the case and even visits Meyer’s wife at his request. Meyers is also persistent in trying to ascertain if Santini really is the honest cop that he claims to be...

"I tried to tell you I’m playing for the other team!"

My first impression of this film was that it would just be another telemovie, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. The acting and script are very good and although this doesn’t offer anything really new in story content, it is the way the story is told that makes it work. Rob Lowe is very good in the lead role and works well with Sam Neill as the lovable bad guy. Sam Neill suits this role so well and really seems to have fun with it. The subtle humour is well placed and the supporting music is also well suited, with some great reggae tracks.

  Video
  Audio
  Extras
Contract

Framed is presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and is 16:9 enhanced. The picture is sharp and clear with very few problems. Colours are vibrant and true and blacks are solid. Grain is not an issue and film artefacts are not a problem either. Overall this is a very nice transfer. There are no subtitles supplied with this release, but none are needed - at least for those of us who speak English - as dialogue is clear at all times.

Audio supplied is simple Dolby Digital 2.0 surround and this does a great job. Dialogue is clear and there is some good use of separation for directional effect and to emphasise the music. Audio synch is never a problem and although not of demonstration quality, this soundtrack is surprisingly good for a film that doesn’t require a great track.

The only extra supplied is a Theatrical Trailer, which is intriguing when you consider that this film never saw the innards of a cinema.

Overall this is an enjoyable film and one that's definitely at least worth a rent. The story is good along with the acting and script. There are a few twists and turns along the way, as we expect from Lynda La Plant, making the journey very enjoyable. Perhaps my preconceptions of it being another boring telemovie pre-influenced me, but I found this to be very enjoyable and recommend it highly.


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  •   And I quote...
    "Based on a book by best selling author Lynda La Plant, this film is surprisingly good."
    - Adrian Turvey
      Review Equipment
    • DVD Player:
          Sony DVP-NS305
    • TV:
          AKAI CT-29S55AT 68cm
    • Receiver:
          Sony STR-DE685
    • Speakers:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Centre Speaker:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Surrounds:
          Sony SAVE815ED
    • Subwoofer:
          Sony SAVE815ED
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