Reviewed on Wednesday, 5 Sep, 2007

No movie was as aptly titled as Shoot ‘em up since it pretty much described what took place over the course of roughly 85% of its run.

This movie had something for everyone (especially adrenalin junkies): uproarious humor, sexual depravity, violence vaguely disguised as more violence, romance, political intrigue, spy v. spy machinations, controversial medical practices, a study of dysfunctional relationships, and the never-ending challenges of single parenthood.

I’ve always liked Clive Owens’(Mr. Smith) work in the past, but this movie in my estimation, made him a bona-fide leading man/action hero. Dare I say it…..ok, I will…..this movie exceeded the action packed thriller, the Bourne Ultimatum…and that was a fantastic movie!

Paul Giamatti gave a stellar performance as an assassin with an uncanny ability to pick the most inept goons who worked best as target practice for Smith. Nevertheless, in all other respects, he was pretty good at what he does. It was as if he had radar and always managed to locate Smith no matter where he tried to hide….but catching him was a whole ‘nother animal.

Monica Belluci’s believably sympathetic working girl became the final ingredient in Smith’s reconstituted family. Despite all of the craziness going on around them, you were actually pulling for the two of them.

This IS the reigning summer blockbuster….if you want to be mesmerized by an incessant cataclysm of whizzing artillery ably anchored by a fairly decent plot….go….no….run to see this movie!!

Grade A

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