“THE FIRST $20 MILLION” is a surprisingly entertaining, independent film, just released by TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT.  While we had never heard of this film prior to reviewing it, we were surprised to find the real talent associated with it.  The script is by Jon Favreau, responsible for the funny and original scripts to “SWINGERS” and “MADE.”  The script doesn’t have the consistency of surprises and original characters as were found in those films, but it still has its share of inspired moments.   

Caspar, a young computer nerd, hopes to find fame and fortune from the development of a cheap laptop computer.  Adam Garcia is fine in the lead role, but it’s Rosario Dawson who steals the show. She actually gets more to do here than in her previous films, and displays the kind of charisma that makes her instantly attractive and the audience wanting more of her.  

There are a few big laughs and one suspects they’re due to Harold Ramis’ contribution to the script.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT has provided the film with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and 16:9 enhancement.  The color values are solid, in spite of the image appearing soft in spots.  Contrast is fine, although blacks and grays aren’t deep enough to offer extreme clarity in some of the darker scenes.  Fleshtones appear natural.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX has also provided a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundmix. There are a few surround effects, but most of the film’s directional environment is focused towards the front soundstage.