Weekly Review -- Not such plain action

Shoot 'Em Up (2007) -- If ever there was a more accurate title to describe the essence of a movie, this one would be a prime example. Shoot 'Em Up is an action-filled, wacky, violent, over-the-top extravaganza whose sole purpose is to spoof and entertain. A shady character, known only as Mr. Smith (Clive Owen) stumbles upon a shoot-out -- the first of many to come -- and ends up saving a baby, who seems to be the target of a criminal gang led by an even shadier Hertz (a fabulously zany Paul Giamatti). Along the way, he enlists the help of a prostitute ex (Monica Bellucci), and gradually finds out about what exactly he has got himself involved in... This Michael Davis flick boasts obscene hilarity, bizarrely street smart characters and guns. Lots of guns. The action scenes are well choreographed and are a cheeky play on action movie clichés like the almighty hero, invincible villain and weapons that never seem to run out of bullets. Particularly impressive are the opening sequence and the parachuting scene. The film almost has the feel of a comic book, since one cannot immediately place the gutter-colored proceedings within a certain locale. Owen's dry demeanor borders on sarcastic, which suits reluctant hero Smith perfectly. Bellucci is obviously relishing her damsel-in-distress role, while Giamatti is having even more fun as the deliciously evil and ironically named Hertz. It is an absurd, funny ride from start to finish and, even though the screenplay is far from magnificent, one has to give kudos to the filmmakers for trying to steer the action genre in a different direction.

7/10


The Kingdom (2007) -- During the past decade, there have not been too many successful movies depicting relations between the U.S. and the Middle East. A certain fateful day in 2001 only compounded the strain of this relationship, and its political and historical significance has been reflected in numerous cinematic efforts as well. I thought this Peter Berg film was a refreshment, mostly due to its documentary feel, cast chemistry and overall message. After a massacre on a foreign housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the FBI assembles an elite team to fly over and survey the evidence. The team includes special agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx), forensic examiner Janet Mayes (Jennifer Garner), intelligence analyst Adam Leavitt (Jason Bateman) and bomb expert Grant Sykes (Chris Cooper). Once they get there, however, they run into a lack of cooperation from the locals and danger from various terrorist factions, as well as the general threat from a terrorist mastermind who orchestrated the initial attack. The best part about the movie is its atmosphere of authenticity. The cast appear involved in the story, Foxx is authoritative as team commander and there is a feeling of familiarity in the exchanges between the leads. The photography, courtesy of Mauro Fiore, brings a sense of urgency and appropriateness to the events unfolding. Storywise, I loved the fact that neither the Arabs nor the Americans were portrayed as the stereotypical bad guys, or saviours, or martyrs, or whatever role each nationality has already worn out in many other films. Instead, both nations are seen as being caught up in a very violent, compromised world, with the good guys doing whatever they can to right the various wrongs. The movie does have a few negative aspects -- it boasts a couple of cheesy moments and the entire intro sequence feels like Economy for Dummies -- but these are irrelevant aspects. It is not a run-of-the-mill action film and its message is pretty poignant. Pay a visit to this Kingdom.

8/10