Parting Shots

More power to the genius that is Michael Winner. He is so far ahead of the game it is incredible. In `Shots' he has managed to create the first cult film of the next millennium. No one likes this film at all, but there is a huge enjoyment to be had by anyone who views it with an open mind. I for one look forward to his next movie.

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

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.

Foremost in my mind when approaching Parting Shots was the fact that I had never seen a Michael Winner film before. Nope, not even Death Wish. I was aware of his reputation, though. Tory, tabloid columnist, worst director ever, restaurant critic (most pointless occupation ever). Bearing all this in mind, I was confidently expecting to begin this review with the words, "Michael Winner must die."

But... no can do. It's not that Parting Shots is any good - it's certainly pretty weak stuff, by any standards. It's just that it's nowhere near as unwatchably awful as so many have insisted. I've seen any number of films this year alone that are far worse than this, and the film's dated, 70's cheesiness has a certain naive appeal. Besides, any director who can get John Cleese, Bob Hoskins, Joanna Lumley, Oliver Reed and Diana Rigg, to name but a few, to appear in material of this (sub)standard must have something going for him, surely?

Parting Shots isn't the worst film ever. It's not even the worst film ever to star Bob Hoskins. It's just an utterly harmless instance of a bunch of ageing luvvies getting together, having a few laughs, and making a little film to show the grandkids. Not a menace, just an irrelevance, so ignore it and it'll soon go away.

Parting Shots was not the greatest film in the world i admit, but a great cast made it extremely watchable and fun! Oliver Reed was a particular delight as the hit-man stalking Chris Rea's central character! Another highpoint of the film (though only on screen very briefly) was the sexy Nicola Bryant playing a deliciously underwear-clad prostitute! Hmmmmmmm.......