Shoot 'Em Up

Sep 14 2007 By Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

IN THIS outlandishly violent fantasy, Coventry-born actor Clive Owen plays a carrot-chewing hitman who's trying to improve his eyesight.

His best work yet spoofs a combination of his Children of Men and Sin City outings whilst effectively 'celebrating' the Chancer star's failure to become the new 007.

After a gun battle with Hertz (Paul Giamatti), Owen's Mr Smith goes on the run with two others - lactating prostitute DQ (Monica Bellucci) and the infant Oliver he's delivered from a mother killed in the crossfire.

Written and directed in rollercoaster fashion by little-known Michael Davis (Monster Man), the film looks influenced by Tarantino and Roberto Rodriguez.

It's got a dark sense of humour for carrot lovers to appreciate and comes fully loaded with visceral action. Heavy metal fans will also adore the soundtrack which includes two gun battles choreographed to Motorhead and AC/DC classics.

The special effects are by British veteran Colin Chilvers, part of the Oscar-winning team for the 1978 version of Superman.