Here is a link to the BLU RAY on Amazon UK for the best price:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EYVFEES
“…Love And Hopeful Things…”
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00EYVFEES
“…Love And Hopeful Things…”
A few words about this overlooked nugget of a film that
seems to have unwisely slipped everyone by.
Written and Directed by LEE KIRK in 2012 - its original
title was "The Giant Mechanical Man" - which was quickly followed by
its less difficult but more commercially feasible name - "Love In
Detroit". To confuse matters even more - it appears to be only available
to UK buyers as an ‘import’ DVD and BLU RAY that goes under the name of
"Karlek I Detroit" because its issued in DENMARK (or SWEDEN?).
I’m sensing that the sellers of this lovely movie bottled
out of the quirky original title and opted for the horrid and cheesy "Love
In Detroit" instead - also elevating the prettier Malin Akerman to the top
of the cover (the blond) when she really only has a back part in the story (the
original poster only includes the two principal leads at a bar).
Janice is a young slightly kooky temp (Jenna Fisher of the
American TV series “The Office”) who can’t seem to hold down a job. One day on
the train platform she spots a street mime artist that she somehow connects
with. Tim is kind of hard not to miss - because he stands nearly ten feet tall
and is painted head to toe in silver (Chris Messina of Aaron Sorkin’s “The
Newsroom” – he plays Jane Fonda’s son in the show Reese Lansing). Tim doesn’t
engage with passers-by (except maybe a TV crew who spot an interesting morning
segment). Feeling low – she engages in conversation with the still silver giant
whom of course doesn’t flinch a muscle in keeping with his street art. But Tim
has noticed Janice…
Tim’s pretty but ambitious girlfriend (Lucy Punch) has had
enough of Tim’s art-for-the-people dreams - as has her brother (a fantastic
turn by Bob Odenkirk – Let’s Call Saul in “Breaking Bad”). He needs a job – so
he gets one at a Zoo when he meets Janice. Without his make-up - they slowly
and awkwardly edge towards each other (without her knowing of his alter ego).
Thrown into the mix to tempt weak-kneed Janice is Topher Grace as a longhaired
self-help book-selling twat. Will Janice be able to fend off her pushy sister’s
interventions (Malin Akerman) in her hopeless love life? Will she stop dreaming
of her teeth falling out? Will the two society misfits make it in a sometimes
cold and meddlesome world?
The DVD is Region 2 so if you live in the States - check
compatibility (if you live in the UK or Europe - there's no issues).
The BLU
RAY is REGION FREE so will play everywhere. It's defaulted to 1:85 (16 x 9) Anamorphic which is FULL ASPECT - so there's no bars top or bottom. And more importantly
- the picture quality is gorgeous – a beautifully filmed piece of work.
Subtitles are English, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish. I also think the "Love In Detroit" BLU RAY sleeve that is pictured on the Net and Amazon is a mock up that never appeared - it doesn't exist except with "Karlek I Detroit" on the sleeve.
A fabulous and genuinely touching film - “The Giant Mechanical Man” also uses locations in the presently much-maligned and bankrupt city of Detroit to amazing effect.
Give this gem a chance – I liked it so much – I had to buy
it. I find hopeful and lovely things are like that…
