American Ultra is more than Bourne meets Pineapple Express. Not much more, but you get my point.
“American Ultra” is a film that should’ve done better this summer. While it was an R rated stoner comedy, it also was an original action property that never quite found any momentum. It was marketed well, regardless of what a certain screenwriter might say online. Hell, I’d call it the most marketed movie to its key demographic outside of Star Wars and The Avengers. What it didn’t have was crossover appeal.
The film is a rather funny romantic comedy about a young couple trying to find a way to improve their lives and leave their small town. It’s just that young Mike can’t seem to get on a plane or leave without having panic attacks. That’s because Topher Grace is messing with his brain until he decides its time to kill him. Walton Goggins, Tony Hale and John Leguizamo show up to do heavy third banana lifting. Hell, I’d go so far as to say this is one of the best casts I’ve seen all year.
The Blu-Ray comes with a documentary, featurette, gag reel and commentary as the special features. The A/V Quality is strong for a recent release. You get that DTS: X business meant to serve as a stand-in Atmos track. I thought Lionsgate was moving away from these codecs that most receivers will just play down to DTS-HD. The 1080p transfer is crisp and near reference quality. If you’re a fan of this sort of thing, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!