Stretch - Guida o muori

I was not expecting an overly good movie, but what I got in turn was an rollicking thrill ride. The Movie "Stretch" Takes place over the course of one night, and is about a man whom is a Limo Driver that owes six grand by the end of the night.

At times this movie reminded be a bit of "eyes wide shut" and "Hanna," with similar colouring and locations to the movie "cosmopolis," but with a much more light hearted and humorous tone. I did not view the credits beforehand, but was surprised with several cameos, and quite a few recognizable faces throughout the movie.

Some parts are a little mediocre, but as a whole the movie is a fun ride, and offers some good entertainment while contemplating on things like fate and taking action.

It was beginning to feel like Chris Pine was becoming a bit type cast, but in this movie he effectively breaks those bonds, portraying a wild, unpredictable man with a sense of mystery and insanity.

At first appearance, it looks like it will be another run of the gun, 'wild night' movie, but instead "Stretch" offers some truly unique aspects, with plenty of creative and funny scenes throughout.

Definitely a good movie to watch if your looking for some fun entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously. Probably one of the directors best movies, if not the best. If you like wild adventure movies with comedy and action, then don't miss out on this one!

I registered just to review this underrated film. Another reviewer summed this film up so perfectly I have to restate it: the film begins exactly as it should, and continues exactly the way you want it to right to the end. It is the sort of movie that would have been at home in 1985--down on his luck protagonist has an increasingly awful night that turns into a rampage through LA. It is funny without ever being stupid or gross, which probably explains its ranking. In a time when big name stars are putting out such comedic, big screen "gems" as the bizarrely unfunny toilet-humored "A Million Ways to Die in the West," it is a flashback to films that were funny without being dumb.

Director Joe Carnahan returns to the big screen after a long stint away, showing he's still got a great sense of gritty action, and dirty storytelling.

I was really impressed with this film about L.A limousine driver, who after a life of making bad luck and even worse decisions, ends up on the receiving end of Fate after an absolutely insane night of depravity, criminal actions, and violence. All for the better mind you. I didn't know what to expect (and didn't expect much), but man was I ever surprised.

Patrick Wilson (Fargo) is joined by a whole barrage of famous cameos from around the Hollywood scene. Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints) as... well himself, Ed Helms (The Hangover) adds his flavor as the ever present critic, and possibly the greatest moment of David Hasselhoff's (The Hoff) acting career. I was laughing the whole way through, and not a single scene detracts from the overall insanity of the events that unfold. If anything they simply snowball and and more flavor to this wild run. It's like watching a plane crash or a car accident; you just can't peel your eyes away from it. Oh and Chris Pine... actually not bad in this movie. He has possibly one of the best entries in a scene that has ever been filmed. Very Hunter S. Thompson but with more hair.

Anyway, if you have seen "Smoking Aces", or "The A-Team", then you know the director's style, but this is possibly my favorite work of his.

6/10

Wow. Just wow. This movie didn't surprise me with its' quality due to the fact that I am a big Joe Carnahan fan. His work over the years has always impressed me. Even recently I knew he still had it with the amazing TV show The Blacklist. His style of blending humour and drama works really well and it comes into play spectacularly here.

The narration of Patrick Wilson's character is both humorous and amazing to listen to. It gives extra layers to this character and makes him all the more enjoyable as the lead. His whacky adventure makes this film whole and truly a fun and entertaining movie. There are many different movies which have a similar kind of narrative structure to this but very few have Carnahan's skilled execution and delivery. Every moment just hits the right note from start to finish. There are a couple of truly amazing cameos in the film which are both perfect and hilarious.

My only nag with the film I guess is that it was somewhat predictable. But, you don't see the film for this really; so it didn't matter a whole lot. It coasted by very well with its' witty script, great soundtrack and stellar acting. Carnahan has served up another home run. A must see for fans of his work. Go in with an open mind if this is your first. Either way, you shall not be disappointed.

I just don't get the mediocre ratings I'm seeing for this one. I thought it was a perfect action-comedy - right up there with 'The (original) Hangover', 'Horrible Bosses' and the like.

Here's how it hit me..

Story: Tight, to-the-point, succinct and actually, pretty plausible. Pace: Fast from the first few seconds, then damn-near unrelenting. Stunts, Effects, Makeup & Camera-Work: Top-shelf. Characters: Believable and uncomplicated by too much 'back story'. Acting: Each-n-EVERY actor in this film displayed their awesomeness. Predictability: You NEVER knew what was coming next. LOTS of surprises. Oh - and nice ending, too.

Viewer discretion: This is definitely a film for grown-ups. LOTS of drug use and some mild nudity.

My head's still spinning down. What a fun flick. Not familiar with much of the director's work, but this was cool.