The Darwin Awards
20th Century Fox
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Michael Burrows, a forensic detective in the S.F.P.D. has become increasingly fascinated by the number of Darwin deaths being reported. Brilliant but overly cautious he is fired from the force for allowing a serial killer to escape in the line of duty. Determined to prove a common theme in these cases Burrows joins forces with Siri, a clinical, no-nonsense insurance investigator specializing in the more bizarre claims received. With sparks flying, this unlikely duo attempt to uncover the mystery of these 'Darwin' casualties. Along the way our heroes come across a parade of unforgettable characters: the speed freak who strapped a rocket launcher to his Chevy Impala in his quest to set a land speed record. The two guys who decide that dynamite is the fastest way to break through a patch of ice to go fishing. The teenagers who will do anything to break into a Metallica concert, and the ad executive who is so confident in the strength of his shatterproof window that he throws himself at it despite being on the 25th floor.

The Darwin Awards is like C.S.I. meets YouTube as told by a caveman. And no, that's not a compliment. Winona Ryder, once a Hollywood darling, joins the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Calude Van Damme and Steven Segal as a fallen hero whose works now go direct to video. I sure hope that shirt or fashion accessory she stole was worth it.

Enough griping on Ms. Ryder. Let's gripe on The Darwin Awards, which is on par with any Pauly Shore movie for its sheer stupidity. Based on the series of books by Wendy Northcutt, the film is a celebration of the idiotic idea. The plot is really just an excuse to recreate various acts of dumbness. Although there are some moments of comedy, the contrived nature in which it is presented makes for very awkward viewing.

I'm not sure if it was by choice or because of budget, but director Finn Taylor takes some questionable approaches to the film's camera work. One scene in particular bothered me. It has Michael and Siri talking in a car. The camera is perched outside the windshield. Fair enough. This is not a new shot. The thing is the windshield is covered in dirt and grime. It leaves a haze that really does draw attention to the cheap nature in which it is put together. Because you can't focus with your eyes, you listen. This draws attention to the horrible dialogue the actors are speaking.

Needless to say, The Darwin Awards is one of the worst films I've seen in some time. I'll try to get it out of my head and watch Beetlejuice and Heathers back-to-back just to give Ryder some of her street cred back. The Darwin Awards proves that stupid is sometimes best left alone.

Video: How's it look?
There's nothing inherently wrong with the transfer but there's many points in which the picture is soft and unfocused. It appears to be a case of poor source material. The film is shown in widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio.

Audio: How's it sound?
The 5.1 Dolby Surround soundtrack is adequate but not spectacular.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• "The Making of The Darwin Awards" runs five minutes and includes short interview bites with cast and crew and film clips.
• There's short interviews with several recognizable cast members, but they're all very short and don't offer much in the way of insight.
• Photo gallery.
• Previews for Kickin' It Old Skool and Even Money.
• English and Spanish subtitles.

Closing Thoughts
The Darwin Awards is stupid. There's really no other way to put it. It's awkward and thrown together. The DVD is equally uninspiring with little of note in the way of inspiring bonus materials. This is one that is best avoided.


Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com