Star

Please note, at the time I'm writing this, the final BMW film "Powder Keg" hasn't been released yet. So far, however, this is the best short film of the series. Great action and driving along with some great laughs make for a truly enjoyable time. The acting by both "the Driver" and "the Star" are top notch even though it only lasts a couple of minutes. I hope to see Clive Owen in a feature film soon.

"Star" is a short film made for BMW by Guy Ritchie, who also directed two other reasonably good movies, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." Although she isn't credited as the star, Ritchie's wife Madonna plays what seems to be the lead role in this film, a stuck-up celebrity rock star. Clive Owen plays the driver who grants Madonna's wish to escape her bodyguards by taking her on the ride of her life. The scenes where the BMW car is speeding around town are more than exciting to watch and the soundtrack in the background, mostly "Song 2" by Blur is an excellent addition to the intense atmosphere. I recommend to anyone who enjoyed Ritchie's other work or even to Madonna fans to log onto bmwfilms.com and check out this 7 minute thrill ride.

After the introspective FOLLOW, Guy Ritchie's STAR is a complete 180-degree turn away in terms of style, mood and subject. Fortunately, it's a roaring success.

Clive Owen showcases a previously unseen facility for comedic timing. From his mock innocence as the Star berates him to a later moment when he says with tongue firmly planted in cheek, "I've think we've lost them.", Owen is a delight in this charming little revenge fantasy for those who have had to put up with rude, insolent customers in their line of profession.

Ritchie directs the film pretty much as an extension of the style he used in SNATCH and LOCK, STOCK, & 2 SMOKING BARRELS. All his trademarks are here; Freeze frames, voice overs, and gratuitous use of English pop songs. Combined with the fact that yes, as everyone now knows, that's his wife Madonna as the Star who gets her fateful comeuppance, and the film ends up being the most crowd-pleasing of the series. Highly recommended.

"STAR" is the most entertaining film of the great BMW film series. The ironic wit is great and the race through the city is superbly well done - everything fits here: the cinematography, the editing, the great music by Blur, the actors and of course the BMW M5 who gives the best performance of them all!

Enjoy this ride - you won't be disappointed!

10/10

For me the best short from The Hire-series, season 1. Guy Ritchie directs his wife Madonna and it is definitely his style, seen in 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and 'Snatch'. Husband and wife should have stopped after this one instead of making 'Swept Away'.

The story: Madonna is a very arrogant star and The Driver has to take her to some event and he has to lose some followers, like her manager.

With more funny moments then I have seen in the others, a great ending, and music very well used, this is my favorite.