Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

In this over-the-top frenetic action romp, we've got an everyman named Smith (Owen) with a love for carrots who, after coming to the aid of a pregnant woman and helping her give birth (during a shootout no less) finds himself the target of a gang of thugs led by an off-kilter henpecked hitman named Hertz (Giamatti) who want the baby dead, and will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal. Along with a hooker whose specialty is lactation (Bellucci) it's up to Smith to stop the bad guys, save the baby, and figure out just what the hell is going on.That's the set up for this film, and, just because it might seem like it's right up your alley, that might not necessarily be true. Normally, I'm all for ridiculous balls to the wall bullet fest action movies like this, but I wasn't really blown away by this one. Sure, it's quirky, wacky, and sometimes really creative, inventive, and fun, but that doesn't mean it all adds up to something that's good or worthwhile as a whole. I did dig that this was basically a love action and violent Looney Tunes episode (and there's tons of references to back this up, especially some very obvious and unsubtle ones), but all the references, wackiness, and insane set pieces (I never knew carrots could be used in the ways that they are here, or that I'd ever see shootouts take place during both sex and childbirth...and that you could use a gun to cut the umbilical cord), but stuff like this is just a lot fo flash with no real meat behind it. Also, as for this film giving John Woo a run for his money...nice try, but not quite. His films might have insane gun battles that test one's suspension of disbelief, but they also have a strong sense of artistry, style, and some weight to them. This is just hollow spectacle for the sake of it. There's some great needle drops sure, which is a big help, but even then, this film just comes off as trying way too hard.Not only that, but there's some really sloppily handled messages (and mixed ones, to boot) concerning gun laws. Ultimately, the film coems off as a tad irresponsible and unclear, and that's a bad sign. I know, I should jsut shut up and enjoy, right? Well, I did...at times. It jsut didn't last, and this is ultiamtely a film I'm surprised to be feeling rather negative about. None of the cast are ruining their careers here, but they're not exactly doing them many favors. However, it is nice to see Giamatti change it up once and a while, and he at least looks like he's having some fun.All in all, a real missed opportunity. This film wants so bad to be the next great cult classic. Too bad thta writer/director Michael Davis didn't get the memo that a film can't try to be a campy cult classic...it just has to come naturally.