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Saturday, April 4
The Indiana Daily Student

Limited release action flick good DVD fun

('Equilibrium' -- R)

"Equilibrium" comes to DVD after a limited theatrical run. Overall, it's lots of fun, with an intriguing plot, good acting and some kick-ass scenes of ass kicking. \nIn a theoretical future, war has been eliminated by repressing human emotions via a nationally prescribed drug. Art, books and music have been banned. John Preston (Christian Bale) is a first-class Cleric -- a government agent responsible for enforcing said laws (translation: break them, and he kills you). When he stops his dose, he begins a violent, emotional quest to set things right. \nBorrowing heavily from cinema of past and present, the flick still manages to emerge with a unique style. The cinematography is intricate, albeit trendy. The score is full of emotions that heighten the dramatics. Also impressive is the sheer production value of the film. It looks like a high-budget movie that should've been marketed for wide release. \nThe disc itself is rather marginal. There's a minimal behind-the-scenes featurette, no trailer and two commentaries: writer/director Kurt Wimmer's (more than slightly interesting, coming from a film novice), and another featuring Wimmer and producer Lucas Foster (minimally attention-holding). For such an intricate, low-budget, sci-fi, action extravaganza, a special edition of sorts would be welcome. But it's always nice to see Bale going "Psycho" again.

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