On The Line: [DVD] by Lance Bass

Pop stars and movies don't normally make the best combinations; despite featuring three musicians trying their hands at the acting game On the Line is a delightful movie. The biggest draw will undoubtedly be Lance Bass and Joey Fatone of US boy band N*SYNC and while many critics may be ready with their pot shots the pair not only bring a surprisingly deft acting ability to the screen but a chemistry clearly borne of years together in a band. The film bravely refuses to play the predictable teen comedy card, opting instead for a more mature tale of romance. On the Line succeeds not only thanks to the performances but because its theme of lost opportunities is a universal one. Certainly not a film without its faults (Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora's cameo is simply dreadful), On the Line has the courage of its convictions and at least tries to do something other than the expected. The result is an enjoyable effort and one that suggests Bass and Fatone may well have a prosperous future ahead of them when that Justin Timberlake fellow inevitably dumps them to go solo. On the DVD: On the Line is certainly a diverting if not startling DVD package. The commentary from director Eric Bross and the excellent Emmanuelle Chriqui is lively and informative. There is a selection of deleted and alternative scenes as well as outtakes. The HBO special is fine, if essentially one long advert for the movie. Unsurprisingly, the film enjoys a high-profile soundtrack (unwisely including the odd N*SYNC tune, rather blurring the edges of credibility) and the audio quality is suitably superb. --Phil Udell