Stickmen

This is not the best movie I have seen in a while - but it is one of the most entertaining. It moves along well, and both the story and characters are fun and interesting. The end is great, and seems 'just right'.

Stickmen was an enjoyable film with a strong Kiwi flavour, some likable characters and plenty of laughs. The plot was well-paced with very few hiccups; the directing was slick, professional, and did justice to the film's comedic moments. Minor criticisms: some genre cliches, some awkward dialogue (particularly in the romantic scenes), occasionally uneven acting.

Nothing too original or artistic here, but overall this was a fun underworld comedy caper. Recommended to fans of Tarantino, Guy Ritchie, and Mike Hodges (Croupier, Get Carter). Nice work. 8/10

Yes I was reminded of Guy Ritchie's style while watching this film, but what's wrong with that? This movie is entertaining! There isn't much of a message here other than a few allegories bandied about linking relationships with billiards, but you know what? The actors were all very believable in their roles. It is funny and above all it is stylish and entertaining! Check it out.

Rather than the Lockstock comparisons (con-tricks in a seedy pub-world of nicknames and an eccentric Mr. Big villain), I was more worried about this film becoming a kiwi take on Doug Lihman's "Swingers" - this worry compounded by the match-cutting of a pool ball been potted and a couple reaching orgasm in the opening minutes of the film.

The visual flashiness and misogynistic small-talk soon subsides and the film becomes a rather sweet sport-film (underdogs in the tournament of their lives, betrayal, self-doubt, physical incapacity before 'big game' etc.). The acting certainly helps, as does the novelty of each pool team representing a deliberately cartoonish tribal-stereotype (similar to the fun of the various 'gangs' in Walter Hill's "The Warriors").

The makers show they are a clever bunch making a competent mass market film that veers the right side of indulging rather than insulting the viewer's intelligence. (I especially liked the underplayed fact that if the stickmen win the final it will give the pub-landlord money to do up their seedy watering-hole and turn it into the sort of flashy pub they hate!)

60 out of 82.

I watched this movie late on a Saturday night on T.V and hadn't even heard of it. I was thoroughly surprised and uplifted by the whole thing. I play pub pool and a lot of the dialogue and circumstances made me chuckle in my armchair. E. g when Thomas (Paulo Rotondo) says "I mean as long as i have got a pool cue in one hand, a beer in the other, coin on the table and my mates by my side I'll be happy". That is me all over. I bought this movie straight after I watched it but had to wait 2 weeks for my local video store to order it in. A film like this should not be one to be forgotten on the shelf never mind not even find it. One of my favourite films of today. With no well known actors this film wouldn't appeal to most, but seriously don't judge a book by its cover, or a video or a CD. 9 out of 10 a must see for the pub sportsman.