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Title: Shooting Blanks
Review: If this is supposed to be a homage to the Hong Kong action genre then John Woo should feel a little slighted. This flick is of little discernible style and no substance. The over-the-top action is boring, the plot is convoluted, and the constant stabs at humor drop like a thud. The usually dependable Clive Owen cannot even save this turkey. He has to work overtime to stave off embarrassment. But, then, Clive can pick and choose his own projects so you can't imagine what drew him to this one. Paul Giamatti lays an egg as the film's heavy. Be careful, Paul, or people will forget that you made good flicks like "American Splendor" and "Sideways". Monica Bellucci as the requisite femme fatale is the only performer here to make a visceral impact. The hilarious love-making scene between her and Owen is about the only time this film engaged me. Otherwise, this flick is a complete waste of brain cells and not in the good way that some popcorn flicks are.
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