Party Crashers laid-back approach may seem slow to people expecting "Die Hard" but in a Beverly Hills penthouse, but like many "insider" films, those who are in the know can find much to appreciate. Living in a city known for its earthquakes, riots, and various other man-made and artifical disasters has made Angelenos some of the most jaded people on earth. Of course they would act this way, especially if they were taken hostage by the three guys in the movie. Are there plot holes, oh yeah. Should Phil Leirness spend more time on directing than hamming it up in front of the camera, well I'm not a drama critic but probably. Does it feel slow, yes but it due more to Leirness' obvious homage to the classic films of the 1930s. His minimal camera movement and favoring of wide shots bring to mind the days of classic cinema when directors knew enough to let the action play out and not ruin it by the rapid fire cutting that many audience members have become familiar as the norm. Adding to this feeling is the rapid fire, witty dialogue that harks back to Hawks classic comedies. The commentary on the DVD, which definitely one of the more enjoyable ones I have ever heard, is full of amusing stories, both real and fictious. Leirness' dry wit great to listen to as you do laundry.
