Blu-ray Review – Natural Enemies

Director Jeff Kanew is perhaps best known as the helmer of 1984's "Revenge of the Nerds," creating a hit film about goofy underdogs trying to survive their college experience. Kanew was also responsible for 1986's "Tough Guys" and 1989's "Troop Beverly Hills," with the latter endeavor recently elevated to classic status by some viewers, becoming a beloved title. The helmer offered a light touch with vanilla entertainment, making pictures meant to reach a wide audience. However, during his formative years as a director, Kanew was much more interested in the bleakest material he could find. 1979's "Natural Enemies" is an adaptation of a Julius Horwitz novel, detailing the final day of a man preparing to murder his wife and three kids before committing suicide. Where's Booger when you need him? Instead, there's Hal Holbrook, who delivers a deeply committed lead performance in "Natural Enemies," willing to go to frightening levels of despair and confusion, supporting a somewhat dry but intriguing viewing experience that deals directly with the horrors of being alive. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com