Two Strips Of Latinum: The Jensen Project Delivers Goods
The recent NBC movie is well worth the expense to see it on DVD
I think the first thing that caught my eye and got my attention toward The Jensen Project was the full page advertisement that ran in TV Guide the first part of July.
I can't put my finger on what about it got my attention so completely, but it came across as a movie worth checking out.
Add to that the absolute major blitz of advertising that the movie's sponsor did, and the very unusual practice of releasing the DVD of the film on Saturday, the day after the movie ran, and you get signals that this movie is a one-of-a-kind. The big question was, was it a one of a kind good film, or a turkey that should be condemned to Syfy Saturday night.
The Jensen Project is a film that is one part The Incredibles (minus the superpowers), one part Eureka (some of the project's tech would make Eureka scientists turn green with envy), with some Mission: Impossible mixed in for good measure. The story centers on what seems to be a typical family that turns out to be very unique, as they are former members of a top secret private research organization call The Jensen Project.
Claire Thompson (Kellie Martin), who had left the group after a problem with a mentor, is requested to return to help clear up a very bad situation. Accompanied by her husband and son, she returns and, as Sherlock Holmes would say, the game is afoot.
The Jensen Project features a cast of individuals, some not so well known. Justin Kelly, Alyssa Diaz, and some very familiar faces, such as Patricia Richardson (Home Improvement), Kellie Martin (ER), David Andrews (HBO's From the Earth to the Moon and Apollo 13) and in what he calls his return to television, LeVar Burton (Roots, "Star Trek: The Next Generation). This collection of exceptional talent, combined with a very good story, and a soundtrack produced by American Idol judge Randy Jackson, resulted in a film that is exactly what it is advertised to be: a perfect film for a family movie night.
Now the movie on television was very good, but the DVD presentation is exceptional, not just for the film, but for the special features. Along with my personal favorite special feature on any DVD -- the bloopers -- there are some very unique features that gives the viewer a glimpse inside the actors and actresses who perform in the show.
One of those features is one they call "Star Tracks," where the seven principal cast members are put in front of the camera and share about their backgrounds, their interests, or whatever they wish to share. Fans of Burton will especially enjoy hearing him share about himself.
The other feature of the DVD that really captured my attention are two sections called "Quick Wits." In these sections, the cast members are asked questions about things like their most embarrassing moment, favorite things to do, worst job they ever had (Brady Smith wins that one), and the like. In another part of the DVD, Brady reveals that he enjoys diving with sharks.
The Jensen Project is one of those very unique movies that is wonderful for the entire family. It combines action, some comedy, enough science-fiction tech to please, a great story and a very enjoyable cast. Combine all of that with the fact that when you buy it, you not only get the DVD movie, but a CD of the Jackson-produced soundtrack. It is wonderful entertainment and a very good bargain, which is a double winning combination.
On the movie front, I sincerely hope we see another film or maybe a series with these characters. This is a genuine possibility, as rumor has it that this movie is a backdoor pilot. The characters are very unique ones that could gather a following with the right stories and production. One can always hope.
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