Stickmen (2001)

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

I saw this film on TV and wasn't expecting anything more than something to fill the time one late night. However I was happily surprised to see this event-packed tale of 3 good mates. The main characters were presented clearly and reasonably comprehensively in relation to the storyline which produced a believable and enjoyable turn of events involving gangs, women and money, what else do you want? For those expecting a film just about pool and the life of wanna-be pros, don't bother watching it. Here you are shown the 'underground' of New Zealand and although I have no clue how accurate, or not, this is; it is an interesting change on the usual Italian mob or gang-bangers you normally see in movies. The film gets better as it goes along and the comedy is seamlessly woven in, both situational and dialogue based. Something that I won't forget for a very long time is the 'guy in the pink shirt' scenario! I highly recommend this film which likes any of the following film plots - Underground life, Gangsters, friends sticking together or being the 'underdogs'. For those who are not fans of these plot lines then I recommend it anyway as I doubt many would be disappointed!

A very enjoyable movie, probably aimed more at those with a Kiwi/Oz style sense of humor. It may even go over the heads of anyone who has a limited grasp of Kiwi/Oz modern-day culture. So those viewers who find no pleasure in this movie should not try to dissuade those who haven't seen it from checking it out. A bit of blokey fun for those who enjoy a laugh with their mates. Check it out. 9/10

I read the other comments, and some of them made me cringe--New Zealand's tall poppy syndrome rearing its ugly head once more. Get a grip, guys. The movie's great, slick, professional, and most Hollywood movies have a bigger catering budget than Stickmen was made for. What are you, disgruntled wannabe filmmakers?Stickmen has a great script, based on the real life exploits of Nick Ward (writer) and his mates, the real Stickmen. It's brilliantly directed, with some incredible shots and number eight wire special effects that look as good or better than other recent efforts (especially the fabulous final pool trick, done with nothing more than an invisible thread and the instruction "Stand really still"). The acting is great, it's well-cast and has some really memorable characters--Caller has to be seen to be believed. Other aspects--lighting, sound, camerawork, music--all great. The soundtrack for the last twenty minutes of the film especially deserves special note for adding just that extra edge of tension to an already highly-strung situation.Every part of Stickmen comes together smoothly to create an excellent, original movie, the kind that makes me proud to be a Kiwi and happy to be a movie lover.My bottom line: Better than Lock Stock and Snatch put together. Of course, I would say that.

This film has to be one of the all time best from us Kiwi's. It has managed to wrap comic material with menace and poolhall excitement in a great entertainment package. I hope it does enormously well on the international stage - it deserves to.