martinbblank

This film had a lot to live up to for me. I read a lot and had heard a lot of good things about it before finally seeing it. Inevitably, when that happens usually the film can't possibly live up to the hype. This one for me really did. I hearkened back to a time in film making when comedies didn't need gross-out scenes or elaborate sight gags to carry the comedy. The comedy just relied on good and funny writing. This film has it in spades.

First a little jag about the MPPA rating system. If someone could explain to me the, "R" rating, I would appreciate it. It seems to me the only reason - and I'm no conspiracy theorist - for it to carry such a rating is to kill small, independent film such as this one. It has no nudity, no harsh language (no f-bombs or closer), no real violence (there is a little blood in one scene but its surrounded by boxing as a plot point). Really, I want to know, why the, "R" rating. I'm pretty conservative but I would take my 7 year old niece to this film.

This is a romantic comedy. I would put it among the best in the sports-themed category right alongside, "Tin Cup" and "Bull Durahm". This film, however carries a much lighter touch after all it was made for like, 1/5th the budget and therefore carries much more charm and appeal as a result. I will say that despite the low budget it is far from looking like a low budget film. The directing is tight, the acting is very convincing and the comedy is razor sharp.

Overall I would say, if you are finished with the tired and formula driven comedies the major studios are pumping out these days and want to get back to a comedy that is very funny but doesn't have to hit you over the head with over the top stereotypes, sight gags and fart jokes, then, "The Hammer" may be the salvation you have been waiting for.

This is a very cool, stylish show - sort of a Sam Spade meets The Equalizer with some Bond thrown in the mix. The cast really pulls every thing together and really works as an ensemble. Donovan, like bond looks like he was born in his tailor made suit. Anwar is ripped hottie and adds a lot of dimension to the usual bimbo fare. And who doesn't love Bruce Campbell - come on if he can't make you laugh, no one can.

The episodes are very well written just like you don't care if Earl ever crosses everything off his list, you really don't care if Michael (the lead character) ever finds out who burned him. Actually, I hope he never does.

This is a great film. I love it for the reason others didn't. It isn't typical Hitchcock fare. The scene on the bus with the little boy is an extraordinary study in creating tension.

What surprises me, is that the current climate, there are a lot of similarities with the War on Terrorism. It wouldn't take a lot to make this a really fresh new piece of film. The plot is fantastic, it is well written, I believe it is perhaps a little short so some punching up may be needed. This script is ripe for an update - as sacrilegious as it may be to redo a Hitchcock classic. But then again it worked for Gus Van Sant...or did it? It did didn't it? No? Yes?