Views from the Void

Shoot ‘Em Up
Plot: Apparently there is a plot beyond ‘lots of guns get fired’. It involves Mr Smith (Clive Owen) protecting a new born baby after his mother gets shot.
My thoughts: This film is basically an excuse for lots of guns firing. The shooting starts right at the beginning and doesn’t end. There is a high body count and those that aren’t killed by shooting (which isn’t many) are killed by inventive uses of carrots, which Mr Smith eats a lot of. The plot is an afterthought. The writer must have started with the premise ‘I want loads of guns and shooting’ and when challenged with ‘but why’ he must have got stuck. ‘I know, lets have him protecting something that lots of people with guns can shoot at.’ I think maybe the idea of a baby was only used so they can have the idea of cutting the umbilical chord by shooting it! Although some of the scenes are exciting, unfortunately it roams into the realms of ridiculous and fantastical far too often. In fact ‘ridiculous’ is a great description of the film. There are many times when I thought ‘That wouldn’t happen’ or ‘there is no way he could have done that in the time’. The plot seems to be non existent- or just thrown in to justify some of the shooting. I know it’s related to growing babies, but beyond that it was not very cohesive. But the worst thing in the film is the dialogue. Every other line is a cheesy pun related to what’s happening. And most of them aren’t even funny!
On the whole, it is a shooty gun related film with little plot and tacky dialogue. But if you like action then this may entertain, as there are some good action sequences.
Best bit: The freefall from the plane
Score 6/10

Superbad
Plot: Evan, Seth and Fogell are on a mission to get laid at a graduation party. But to do that, they need to get booze, which can only be sold to those over 21. Luckily Fogell has just got a fake I.D. in the name of McLovin
My thoughts: This film follows three socially inept and sexually frustrated students as they try to get booze and get laid. Each has an object for their affection and part of the fun of the film is finding out if they end up getting it on with their ‘chosen’ girlfriend (much like American Pie). There are lots of rude and crude jokes, the script is very good and has some clever lines, and there are some good visual jokes. (Prepare for some inventive penis drawings). Because the plot is basic, the film relies heavily on the characters and the situations they find themselves in. My favourite characters are the two cops, who form a bizarre bond with ‘McLovin’.
On the whole, it is a typical crude teen ‘cumming of age’ movie with some great characters. If you likes American Pie then you will probably find this better.
Best bit: The two cops steal the show
Score: 7/10