i just read the critic's summary on wikipedia and they trashed this movie, and i fell for it, thinking it wasn't worth my time. i just watched it on FX and was shocked -- what was wrong with this movie?? i thought it was great fun.
honestly, what's not to like?
Agreed. Could give dozen reasons why I personally ignored this film, but nothing about it explains the perversely negative totally off the mark reviews and marketing.
Even on it's face, it hearkens back to the grand era of ingenious and beautifully stylized films of intrigue, black comedy, and even romance of the 40's to the early 70's. This includes some of the best of Hitchcock, truffaut and the best.
Regardless, still only just watched this myself in a vacuum, and was stunned how wonderful it is. Sorry I waited so long, incredibly glad I finally relented and gave it a chance. 10. yes, 10!
This includes some of the best of Hitchcock
I think it depends very much if you 'get' the film in the first few minutes.
If you treat it as an 'action thriller' it is, of course, ridiculous.
If you treat it as a parody of an action film it's brilliant.
The problem seems to be that they don't highlight the satire and there are very few 'gags' to signpost the film's intent.
Although I found the satire quite obvious it would seem that it was too subtle for many. The fact that this appears to include a number of so called 'professional' critics is a little worrying.
I suppose part of the problem is that there are far too many action films that are quite absurd and yet are intended to be taken relatively seriously, and this has conditioned people not to see comic intent even when the clues are as plain as the nose on your face. (How anyone could watch the fight of the plane and the subsequent 'landing' and crash and not immediately see that this was a clever comedy is a mystery.)
You answered your own question by saying "there are far too many action films that are quite absurd and yet are intended to be taken relatively seriously". Personally, I don't see this as a movie with a first intention of poking fun at the action genre, but rather as an action movie that isn't meant to be taken too seriously, with the satire as more of a latent effect...if that makes any sense. Anyway, this is a fun movie when you're not looking for anything too deep and just want some good fun.
Now, the people who complain that the movie "Shoot 'Em Up" was too ridiculous are the ones who really miss the point of satire.
Stop shaving, you don't have a beard.
Movie was good....mainly because of Tom Cruise...No one else could have carried the movie on their shoulders like Cruise did..... Cruise rocks....
shareit had horrible cgi and the storyline was sooo so weak, it was unbelievable.
and Tom Cruise crashing with the plane with no scratch on him is pretty lame and when it's so lame any attempt at humor goes south so...that's the whole agenda I had against this movie.
Well, taste is individual. I thought the movie was just O.K., and I felt it was basically just one long chase scene, which got tiring for me.
shareI thought this movie was ok the first time I watched it. I liked it a lot more the second time around. I found it in the action section of the video store. I've never thought it was an action thriller, but a romantic comedy.
"What do you hear?"
"Nothin' but the rain."
When the media masses are assembled against you, it is difficult to win. This guy is extremely talented, but the media hates him!
shareIt was great fun. It was always meant to be great fun. It was like a great, modern version of Charade - you know, that classic with Grant and Hepburn. It never took itself seriously enough to be anything but fun. After everyone in the movie does a great job... even Diaz. And I can't stand Cameron in most movies as of late.
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