Spread Blu-ray Review

Spread is a November 10th Blu-ray release of Anchor Bay Entertainment from producer/actor Ashton Kutcher and Director David Mackenzie.  It explores the trials and tribulations of a young homeless man, Nikki’s (Kutcher) quest to sleep his way through a life of privilege in Los Angeles.

Nick uses his looks, his charm, and his sexual prowess to prey on powerful and wealthy women who take him in and provide for him.  His target in Spread is Samantha (Anne Heche), a well-to-do lawyer who falls hard for Nikki despite his efforts to keep their relationship focused on the essentials – sex and money.

The course of Nikki’s life changes when he meets beautiful waitress Heather (Margarita Levieva).  What Nikki doesn’t realize initially is that Heather is his female counterpart.  She lives the same life, charming wealthy men for cars and cash.  They must decide if they are better off together and poor, or separate and comfortable.  It is a real life quandry.

Spread is first and foremost and extremely sexual film, especially during the first 30 minutes, but certainly throughout.  It is not for younger audiences and is at the heights of Rated R nudity and sex.  The story itself is decent, though it takes a while to develop.  Related to the first point, this might be because it is hard to know where the story moves beyond sexuality.

Ultimately, there is an interesting burden in the plot that creates some drama and intrigue.  It is quite possible that Ashton Kutcher actually delivers one of his better acting performances in Spread.  Most of his movies fall in the cheesy romantic comedy mold, but Nikki is an assertive, bold, confident and charismatic character that is well-presented and maintained by Kutcher.  Heche is better than ever and Levieva is a fresh young talent in Hollywood.

For many, Spread might not pass the moral content test, but for those who make it though, it is a nice romantic drama.

Special features in the Spread Blu-ray include:

• Living the Dream – The Making of SPREAD
• The World According to Nikki
• Behind the Scenes with Ashton Kutcher
• Audio Commentary with Actor/Producer Ashton Kutcher and Actors Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva

• Actors: Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rachel Blanchard, Maria Conchita Alonso
• Directors: David Mackenzie
• Format: Color, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
• Blu-ray Release Date: November 10, 2009
• Run Time: 97 minutes

Blu-ray Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

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