Parting Shots

This really is quite an entertaining romp. The cast is 'all-star' from a British perspective and generally put to good use. It's not laugh out loud funny but it is fun. The general idea of bumping off those who've upset you in life when you know you're going to die is a nice one. It got me thinking about my 'list' anyhow! I guess as a Micael Winner film it could be seen as a kind of comedy 'Death Wish'!. Oliver Reed is particularly good fun as a world-weary assassin. Chris Rea in the lead role is not at all bad in a down-beat kind of way and it's a mild surprise that we've not seen him in anything else since (at least I haven't). I don't think you'd be disappointed if you see this film.

First things first - some people think this ISN'T the worst film ever. They are mistaken.

I recall, one fine afternoon, visiting the local multiplex and witnessing the trailer for Parting Shots. Something smelt distinctly fishy and indeed my worst fears were confirmed at the end when it proudly stated, "Written, Produced and Directed by Michael Winner". I was amused.

Some weeks later, reviews for the film started appearing in the press which all backed up my initial feelings. Some months later...much to my joy, the film appeared on the shelf in Blockbuster. After so long a build-up, I was desperate to see quite how bad this film could be. On these grounds, it is an incredible achievement of modern cinema. How Mr. Winner has been able to produce the ultimate "so bad it's actually kind of good" film is a testament to his skill as director and part-time restaurant critic. Details of the film's many amusements (Plot(?), characters, ethics, good actors looking worse than ever), have been discussed in the other, many (and often amusing) reviews. However, I feel duty-bound to give further highlight to the performance and acting prowess of one, Mr. Chris Rea Esq. This faded rockstar was originally supposed to do the music but 'friend' Winner suggested he play the main role, since nobody else could give such depth and realism to the part of such a born loser. Well done Michael. Every word and motion of Rea is pure (unintentional) comic genius, ranging from his heartfelt declaration of love ("I luv you. I do ya' know") to his 'interesting' bodily positions (note his stance beside the swimming pool, or his 'relaxed' look when sipping champagne). I have seen many, many films in my time, but even so, Rea is a truly original performer, nay artiste. He is the essence of Parting Shots and through him Winner proves to the world that he is, in fact, just fat, miserable, and inhuman. As if we didn't know already.

To conclude, if you build up your expectations for a truly bad film and perhaps partake in a fair amount of alcohol, you won't be disappointed by Parting Shots. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if you split your sides laughing all the way up to the scooby-doo-style-everyone-laughs ending. It's ironic really that something so devoid of humour can be so hilarious.

BUY IT!!!

While it lacks the urgency and poetic beauty of "Dirty Weekend", "Parting Shots" is a competent black comedy which never fails to entertain, and in parts, titillate.

Chris Rea [far superior an actor to his namesake Stephen Rea] gives a solid and effective performance as a decent guy who is told that his life is coming to end. The love scenes with Felicity Kendal aka Barbara Good are magnificent and the presence of the two expensive, beautiful and stylish call girls considerably enhances the film.

A success.

6/10

Just watched the film on tape and to be honest I quite liked it. I enjoyed all the cameo performances from many many good British actors and actresses. I don't really see what all the negative comments are coming from.OK its not Fawlty Towers or Rising Damp but as a black comedy film with no great pretensions it is perfectly watchable and enjoyable. Some VERY nice looking girls in it too,especially Nicola Bryant in all too small a role. Why this film is never seen on TV I have no idea.There is no swearing in it,a modest amount of bra and panties and little if any gratuitous over the top violence.In fact unless you have cancer the film is just a bit of fun with a 'happy' ending.

I thought that actors like John Cleese, Oliver Reed, Diana Rigg would be a recommendation for this piece. Unfortunately it's not. Only Rigg (perhaps better known as Emma Peel) is shown longer than some others. And her performance is stifled at best. It's a pity. Chris Rea is not an actor and judging from this he should refrain from an actor career. But maybe it is the sole fault of the director why this thing fails so miserably. While the story shows promise, the implementation is so shoddy that it actually hurts seeing this. Best summarized at the end of the scene where John Cleese's character closes the door after he had a painful talk with Rea. He bends over, holds his head with his hands and cries out loud: "Oh my God!" Apparently with great pain. That was really convincing and the best performance throughout the whole movie. Apart from that John Cleese is just John Cleese -- nothing more, which is good enough. The man can just withdraw himself and don't act at all and still makes himself at least bearable. The same goes for Oliver Reed. His character is a stoic killer. Reed did not even have to draw a face to deliver his part, which is good, because you can study him in one of his last roles. This movie only has these good points: you can watch the actors while they don't act at all or only give excuses for acting and see the people behind the masks. My conclusion: never watch a movie by Winner again.