Big Picture Big Sound

Keanu Blu-ray Review

By Rachel Cericola

The Film

You have to assume that when Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key went into the Warner Bros. offices and pitched a movie about the search for a missing kitten, the execs thought the comedy duo had to be high. Like Cheech and Chong high.

However, Keanu really works. That's because it's a bit more complicated than a little lost kitty. It also has a pair of leads with great chemistry and a lot of laughs sprinkled throughout.

Keanu is the kitty in question. His rightful owner is a drug kingpin, who is gunned down by a pair of hitmen (also played by Key and Peele). In the aftermath, Keanu gets away and finds himself on the doorstep of Rell (Peele). The timing couldn't be better, because Rell just got dumped. With the way he dotes on Keanu, it's easy to see why.

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Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key go crazy for a little kitty known as "Keanu.” Photo: Warner Bros.

While out at a Liam Neeson movie with his cousin Clarence (Key), someone ransacks Rell's place and Keanu goes missing. This leads the two to Cheddar (Method Man), the leader of the 17th St. Blips, a gang comprised of rejects from the Bloods and the Crips. He's also enamored with Keanu, but makes a deal with the duo that involves Keanu, a drug deal, and Anna Faris. During the outing, Rell sees things he can't unsee, while Clarence has the time of his life teaching the gang about teamwork and George Michael. (Yes, that George Michael.)

Keanu is an incredibly weird concept, but it's also a funny one. If the movie had been made by another pair, it probably wouldn't have worked. However, Key and Peele pull it off. The comedy team plays well off one another, keeping it entertaining and also short. Yes, 100 minutes is just purr-fect for this fun film.

Need another peek at this movie, pussycat? Check out Tom Fugalli's theatrical review of Keanu.

The Picture

With the exception of those few moments of "Holy S--t"-induced hallucinations, the 2.40:1 image on Keanu is a pretty awesome. Parts of it are very dark, but the black levels are strong and up for the challenge. However, there are just as many bright scenes, with colors that are plentiful and pretty spot-on. The detail is equally nice, whether it's the reflections in Spencer's BMW, graffiti, fireworks, or an impromptu George Michael tattoo.

The Sound

It's hard to believe, but a movie about a missing kitty has a pretty kick-ass soundtrack. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track kicks off with an opening shootout that mixes the epic "Summoning of Heroes" with gunfire, filling the room with thunderous sound. Speaking of which, there is actual thunder here, as well as a rainstorm, a car chase, and a lot more gunshots. Of course, music is definitely a major force, thanks to booming songs by NWA, Young Black Teenagers, Future, Oliver, Trwbador, and more, as well as a whole lot of George Michael. It's a fun mix, but also manages to keep dialogue clear, even in the film's loudest moments.

The Extras

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It's the first time Key and Peele are headlining a movie. How is there no commentary track? What a missed opportunity. That's not the only thing this set is lacking, though. The special features section is extremely light, with just a 3-minute short on the title character, which doesn't even say anything about the actual kitty (or kitties) used for the filming. There's also nothing on the rest of the cast or the cameos featured. Otherwise, there are eight deleted scenes and a Gag Reel that runs just under 6 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Keanu didn't do particularly well at the box office and it's easy to see why. On paper, it's a bit of a tough sell. The trailer probably wasn't doing it any favors, either. However, it's the type of movie that's destined to be a cult classic. It's just too bad the Blu-ray isn't giving the diehards any additional tidbits about the film, the cast, or even George Michael.

Product Details

  • Actors: Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key, Method Man, Luis Guzmán, Nia Long, Will Forte
  • Director: Peter Atencio
  • Audio/Languages: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (English), Dolby Digital 5.1 (French, Portuguese, Spanish), DVS 5.1 (English)
  • Subtitles: English SDH, French, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • Number of Discs: 1
  • Rating: R
  • Studio: Warner Bros.
  • Blu-ray Disc Release Date: August 2, 2016
  • Run Time: 100 minutes
  • List Price: $29.98
  • Extras:
    • Keanu: My First Movie
    • Deleted Scenes
    • Gag Reel
    • UltraViolet Digital Copy

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