2008 Woodie Awards
'Shoot Em Up' Hits The Mark
The action scenes are worth price of admission
Audrick Bituin
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Entertainment
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"Shoot 'Em Up"
Director: Michael Davis
Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci
Running Time: 87 Minutes
Hits the Mark
"Shoot 'Em Up" is probably one of the best translations of a video game to the screen, and it's not even based on a video game.
Like "Crank" before it, "Shoot 'Em Up" is one action scene to the next, with thrills and excitement in every scene.
Clive Owen stars as Smith, a Good Samaritan who stumbles upon a pregnant woman in distress. After dispatching of her attackers, Smith helps deliver the baby. From this point on he is on the run from the main villain, Hertz, played by Paul Giamatti, who will do whatever it takes to retrieve the child.
The interaction between Smith and Hertz is what helps make the movie great. In fact, Smith is the Bugs Bunny to Hertz' Elmer Fudd. The banter between both characters is very amusing to watch. The quips and one-liners that the two deliver help establish who and what these characters are all about. The lengths at which Hertz goes to catch Smith are some of the film's highlights.
You really wouldn't expect to see two Academy Award nominated actors in this type of film. With the subject matter and tone, I was surprised to see so many critically acclaimed actors in the movie.
Owen's portrayal of the anti-hero, Smith is what carries the film. His musings about life and his constant complaints are a recurring joke that never gets old throughout.
Giamatti's acting is also great. He plays the weasel character well and you can't wait to see what lengths he will go to succeed.
There really isn't that much character development but you really shouldn't expect too much in a movie like this. This movie is crude, offensive and does not hold back. This is all about action and thrills. This movie is aware of how ridiculous it is and expects the audience to know it as well.
The action scenes are worth the price of admission. The shootouts are fun to watch. There are scenes here that defy logic and make absolutely no sense, but are hysterical. With a title of "Shoot 'Em Up," the film delivers in spades.
At the end of the summer movie season and right before the Oscar season, "Shoot 'Em Up" is a fun film to watch.
Three Out of Four Stars
Director: Michael Davis
Starring: Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Monica Bellucci
Running Time: 87 Minutes
Hits the Mark
"Shoot 'Em Up" is probably one of the best translations of a video game to the screen, and it's not even based on a video game.
Like "Crank" before it, "Shoot 'Em Up" is one action scene to the next, with thrills and excitement in every scene.
Clive Owen stars as Smith, a Good Samaritan who stumbles upon a pregnant woman in distress. After dispatching of her attackers, Smith helps deliver the baby. From this point on he is on the run from the main villain, Hertz, played by Paul Giamatti, who will do whatever it takes to retrieve the child.
The interaction between Smith and Hertz is what helps make the movie great. In fact, Smith is the Bugs Bunny to Hertz' Elmer Fudd. The banter between both characters is very amusing to watch. The quips and one-liners that the two deliver help establish who and what these characters are all about. The lengths at which Hertz goes to catch Smith are some of the film's highlights.
You really wouldn't expect to see two Academy Award nominated actors in this type of film. With the subject matter and tone, I was surprised to see so many critically acclaimed actors in the movie.
Owen's portrayal of the anti-hero, Smith is what carries the film. His musings about life and his constant complaints are a recurring joke that never gets old throughout.
Giamatti's acting is also great. He plays the weasel character well and you can't wait to see what lengths he will go to succeed.
There really isn't that much character development but you really shouldn't expect too much in a movie like this. This movie is crude, offensive and does not hold back. This is all about action and thrills. This movie is aware of how ridiculous it is and expects the audience to know it as well.
The action scenes are worth the price of admission. The shootouts are fun to watch. There are scenes here that defy logic and make absolutely no sense, but are hysterical. With a title of "Shoot 'Em Up," the film delivers in spades.
At the end of the summer movie season and right before the Oscar season, "Shoot 'Em Up" is a fun film to watch.
Three Out of Four Stars
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