SHOOTING FISH (1997)
A Film Review
Copyright Dragan Antulov 2004
Some films are so mediocre that even viewers without refined taste
can sense it. Yet some of those films cover their mediocrity with
enough charm to defeat the professionalism of the experienced
reviewers. The effects of that charm to the average viewer can only be
imagined. SHOOTING FISH, 1997 British comedy directed by Stefan
Schwartz, is one of those films.
Two protagonists of the film are Dylan (played by Dan Futterman), a
charming American, and Jez (played by Stuart Townsend), shy and
nerdy Briton. Two of them share a dream of owning expensive
British country estate and, in order to make that dream true, have a
career of confidence artists. Their latest operation requires help that
comes in the form of unsuspecting but charming secretary Georgie
(played by Kate Beckinsale). Two men quickly fall in love with her
and their romantic rivalry is only the beginning of the troubles. In the
end it turns out that Georgie too has some secret agenda.
Schwartz and his co-writer Richard Holmes may have many talents,
but subtlety isn't among them. Plot is stuffed with all sentimental
cliches possible - two lovable rogues, even more lovable woman who
becomes their love interest - and laced with some unsubtle but lame
attempts of socio-political satire on British establishment. In the end,
subplot involving children affected with Down Syndrome is
introduced in corniest way possible. All that is accompanied with
bad editing that often makes the plot incomprehensible. But
SHOOTING FISH manages to overcome those flaws thanks to the
brilliant acting by Futterman, Townsend and irresistibly charming
Kate Beckinsale. Snatching entertainment from the jaws of boring
mediocrity is an accomplishment that shouldn't be commended
enough. And in case of SHOOTING FISH, that accomplishment is
enough for this film to be recommended.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
Review written on October 5th 2004
Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
http://film.purger.com - Filmske recenzije na hrvatskom/Movie Reviews in
Croatian
http://www.ofcs.org - Online Film Critics Society
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