Fuck Up

A Norwegian attempt at what I assume is supposed to be a fast paced thriller comedy crime caper in the style of Tarantino.

But it's just not particularly thrilling, or funny.

I mean it's not terrible, when Lennart Jähkel and his 2 henchmen are in the picture it's fairly entertaining but it has too much moping about going on which just takes away from the suspense and comedy that could have been.

So yeah it takes itself too seriously a lot, when it really doesn't have the substance to make that believable.

If you want to watch a entertaining Norwegian film watch "Børning (2014)" instead, which Anders Baasmo Christian is also in.

I found myself really enjoying "Fuck up" from start to finish. I wasn't having the biggest expectations before going to the cinema, but I heard a very good review on the radio the day before, and the film is both fun and tragic, though sometimes an irritating voice-over.

Already with the start up with a great Steve Wynn-rocker (the boss of Dream Syndicate) I get all fired up at the great soundtrack as well. Halden is a Norwegian Rock city from back in the 50'ies, and traditions are kept! This doesn't ruin the tragedy, though.

The Coens comes to my mind watching this Norwegian/Swedish clusterfu** of a story, happening right at the boarder between the two Scandinavian countries - in the town Halden. The likes of "Fargo" and "Burn after reading" or Mike Myload's "The Big White" might be references. And I love them all.

Well, the story: Four childhood friends haven't been able to lose each other, and is still making troubles. Almost like a coming of age-mob story. But the main story is what's happening now. Three of them are waiting for the fourth, while he has just hit a moose while driving in from Sweden with a shitload of drugs.

The fresh ambulance is one of the guys, and is on his first ever ride in a new job, while on speed. Well there you've got the start. it gets worse!

There's great one liners, great music, great acting, and great fun. What more can you wish for? Well - maybe getting rid of the voice-over, telling about their childhood. it takes a lot for voice-overs to function in stories like this.

Entertaining, and well played by a casting of Norwegian, Swedish and Danish actors. Main actor Jon Øigarden does his role of a lifetime here. Very strong! I'd like to see it again!

So boring. Poor writing. The acting do not impress.