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User Reviews for: Shoot 'Em Up

SkinnyFilmBuff
5/10  2 years ago
I have a hard time calling this movie bad given that so much of the "badness" is so obviously intentional. This is a lovingly crafted b-movie that doesn't shy away from being utterly ridiculous. In fact, being utterly ridiculous seems to be the main intention. While I don't think that intention generally merits a feature length film, they pull it off here thanks to an aggressive pace and a short runtime that recognizes the lack of substance. Clive Owen and Paul Giamatti are game for some delightfully hammy dialogue and performances. Combine that with the juvenile, over-the-top action sequences and off-beat humor, and it was enough to keep me watching. Where else would I get the chance to see a carrot used to fire a submachine gun?

Now, all of that said, I have an equally hard time calling this movie good. Not all of the over-the-top moments land, and for every scene that had me laughing at the absurdity of it all, there was another that had me rolling my eyes and wondering why I wasn't watching something with higher aspirations. There's also the issue of special effects, with dated CGI roaring its ugly head and handicapping some of the _most_ ridiculous scenes. However, I'd be remiss if I didn't also point out that there's plenty of practical effect work to appreciate, with blood squids galore. In fact, I couldn't help but wonder how much more CGI this movie would have if they made it today? I suspect, to its detriment. The camera work was another black mark, with action often being lost in a whirlwind of excessive cuts.

All things considered, I don't regret the watch, but I probably wouldn't recommend it.
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