Review: Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

Action films are rarely equated with greatness. The tired plots, conventions, and repetitive camerawork makes it seem like the faces change but the story stays the same. The production team behind Shoot 'Em Up is more than aware of these pitfalls. They prove that these unchanging conventions can still create a fun time at the movies.

Shoot 'Em Up is one of those films where you need to check your brain at the door. There is some substance to the story, but it's barely addressed. This kind of film lives and dies based on visuals and stunt sequences, and in that, Shoot 'Em Up excels.

Clive Owen delivers a baby, has sex, and Bugs Bunny's his way through various gun fighting sequences. It's not as ridiculous as it seems in Shoot 'Em Up. The camerawork is slick; the action, exhilarating. Making great use of his NYC environments, director Michael Davis creates a distinct world where gun fights are as common place as driving to work. He creates elaborate scenarios that are edited within an inch of their lives for maximum appeal.

Davis' efforts do not stop with visuals in Shoot 'Em Up. The impeccable casting of name actors Owen and Giamatti is so unusual that is just works. Supporting players like Monica Belucci make the most of their limited screen time. The dialogue is surprisingly fresh coming from this cast, but might have been unbearable out of the mouths of lesser actors.

Shoot 'Em Up's scant eighty-six minute run time makes it a great quick viewing. The high cost of a ticket (or the eventual DVD release) is more than worth it to see this action film. When it does bring in the emotions and political themes, it sings. The standard comedy moments are anything but standard thanks to incredible performances all around. And the recurring gags of cartoon-like action never fail to bring a laugh.

By acknowledging the ridiculous conventions of the action genre, Shoot 'Em Up comes across as a refreshing take on a tired style of film. Shoot 'Em Up is more than worth the price of admission.