The other reviews are spot on. This is not one of Ryan's Nicholson's better works. That said, if the entire movie was as captivating and stylish as the last 1/3, it would be rated higher. No synopsis provided here, but comments on production.
The first 2/3 of the movie moves at a slow pace and is marred with some poor acting performances by at least half the characters. Not in the way that typifies other Nicholson movies, which is usually part camp part scene, rather just bad acting. The lead actors performances are fairly solid throughout and more indicative of what is expected from Nicholson's people.
Along with the acting and pace, there is no real action of any kind in the first 2/3. Thankfully the entire movie is less than 75 minutes from start to finish, but it does drag through the first part.
Once the movie reaches the place of interest - and the viewer knows immediately, based on dialog - the flow, script, and acting all pick up, as does the action. This is not to say that it suddenly becomes good, only that it is an improvement over earlier scenes. Plus, the climax offers a unique occurrence (I'll leave it at that).
The special fx are, for the most part, very cheesy and unrealistic, though there are a couple scenes with decent examples. These scenes also, coincidentally, are the only places with gore, and while they are not over the top, they are certainly more graphic than much of the early scenes with only blood.
In all, Star Vehicle is not a complete waste, as there are some redeeming qualities to it, but it should be noted that expectations should be tapered if compared to other Nicholson flicks. As noted multiple times, the last 1/3 of the flick is better. In actuality, had it not been for this development of pace and on-screen action, the movie would have been a bust; the last 1/3 literally saved the entire flick.
Regarding content:
The first 2/3 of the movie moves at a slow pace and is marred with some poor acting performances by at least half the characters. Not in the way that typifies other Nicholson movies, which is usually part camp part scene, rather just bad acting. The lead actors performances are fairly solid throughout and more indicative of what is expected from Nicholson's people.
Along with the acting and pace, there is no real action of any kind in the first 2/3. Thankfully the entire movie is less than 75 minutes from start to finish, but it does drag through the first part.
Once the movie reaches the place of interest - and the viewer knows immediately, based on dialog - the flow, script, and acting all pick up, as does the action. This is not to say that it suddenly becomes good, only that it is an improvement over earlier scenes. Plus, the climax offers a unique occurrence (I'll leave it at that).
The special fx are, for the most part, very cheesy and unrealistic, though there are a couple scenes with decent examples. These scenes also, coincidentally, are the only places with gore, and while they are not over the top, they are certainly more graphic than much of the early scenes with only blood.
In all, Star Vehicle is not a complete waste, as there are some redeeming qualities to it, but it should be noted that expectations should be tapered if compared to other Nicholson flicks. As noted multiple times, the last 1/3 of the flick is better. In actuality, had it not been for this development of pace and on-screen action, the movie would have been a bust; the last 1/3 literally saved the entire flick.
Regarding content:
- only moderate violence, most of which is not directly visible onscreen, and only a couple scenes of (light) "gore."
- there are multiple scenes of nudity, but it is not rampant throughout the film. Multiple shots with female breasts, and one brief scene of full front female nudity.
- moderate to slightly above moderate profanity. The last 1/3 yields increased profanity, as is fitting to the pace of the film.