Blu-ray Review – Envy

When "Envy" was shot in 2002, the project seemed to be a comedy dream come true. There was Ben Stiller, who was riding high on his massive success with "Meet the Parents," also reaching pop culture prominence with "Zoolander," which would go on to become a big deal after debuting mere weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Stiller's co-star, Jack Black, was working his way up the industry ladder, achieving great notices for his supporting turn in "High Fidelity," turned into a leading man for "Shallow Hal." Things were happening for him, including musical triumphs with his band, Tenacious D. Director Barry Levinson wasn't exactly hot property two decades ago, stuck in movie jail after wiping out with box office busts such as "Sphere" and "Bandits," but the helmer's filmography certainly encountered greatness before, with "Rain Man" and "Good Morning, Vietnam" becoming huge hits during their release years. The package was mighty, joined by "Saturday Night Live" performer Amy Poehler, "The Mummy" actress Rachel Weisz, and habitual kook Christopher Walken. And yet, "Envy" is as close to a wipeout as a picture gets. It's not a disaster or slapped together without care, it just simply doesn't work, offering a bizarre viewing experience where talented performers are stuck with DOA material, while the director tries to generate a farcical tone, but fails to acquire any sort of momentum or inspiration to make funny moments happen. The endeavor just falls asleep as soon as it begins. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com