Star (2001)

Good concept, poorly executed.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

In 2001 and 2002, BMW sponsored a series of 8 films all with the common theme that a BMW was prominently featured in it....and, of all things, Clive Owen starred in each one. For this odd experiment, some of the top directors in the world were somehow obtained--including John Woo, Ang Lee and even the great veteran director John Frankenheimer. While I don't think you'd consider Guy Richie a great director (mostly because his track record is still pretty short AND because he made "Swept Away"), I do think he showed greatness with this short film. Imagine....Richie made a film I liked more than one of my heroes, John Frankenheimer--and I really, really liked the Frankenheimer short.This film stars Richie's wife at the time, Madonna. Now I am not sure how much of this is the real Madonna and how much is just a fun parody--I certainly don't know the lady and can't comment on what she's like off stage! I hope this film is her way at poking fun of herself and celebrities! Regardless, it's a dandy film.It begins with Madonna (who is never mentioned by name, but she plays a mega-music star) getting ready to be driven to her next performance. In the process, she treats her employees like dirt and her attitude is contemptible. She truly is a horrid person in this film. However, what she doesn't know is that she's about to ride in a BMW M3--one of the hottest sports sedans in the world. My wife has a car with the same sports package and engine--and it is a rocket (this is NOT an ad for BMW, by the way--I like my non-German minivan, thank you very much!). But it's important to the story as the driver gets to use this car to teach this spoiled brat a little bit of humility!! Exquisitely acted, constructed and filmed--this is one impressive short film and I guess I have to give Richie another try--just NOT his "Sherlock Holmes" (as I am Holmes purist).

The Plot: Clive Owen ( before he was in "The Bourne Identity," "King Arthur," "Elisabeth: The Golden Age," and "Sin CIty" ) plays a "hire" who drives people places they desperately need to go. Often times, they are working for something "top secret" and can only give our protagonist limited information. Also, this is meant to show off the BMW car and is executive-produced by Tony Scott, Ridley Scott and David Fincher ( Panic Room, Alien 3 ).In this tale directed by Guy Ritchie ( of "Snatch" fame and Madonna's current husband ), our hero must transport a mean celebrity ( Madonna in an uncredited role ) to her destination. Incredibly funny and some addicting songs that get a lot of radio play are featured as well!

I loved this film. The camera work is fantastic and the story is really funny. I really liked the scene when the car began speeding up, Blur's song comes out and when the car flies, classic music comes out and Blur's song comes out again when the car lands. Through the whole film, I could see how clever the director is.

I really enjoyed experiencing Madonna getting her ass kicked by a BMW, it was entertaining, and the filming was done excellently. The acting was serious and monotone, which when the action hit, left me giggling at the spectacle. I strongly recommend this to anyone who needs an all healing medicine.