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More power to the genius that is Michael Winner. He is so far ahead of the game it is incredible. In `Shots' he has managed to create the first cult film of the next millennium. No one likes this film at all, but there is a huge enjoyment to be had by anyone who views it with an open mind. I for one look forward to his next movie.

While it lacks the urgency and poetic beauty of "Dirty Weekend", "Parting Shots" is a competent black comedy which never fails to entertain, and in parts, titillate.

Chris Rea [far superior an actor to his namesake Stephen Rea] gives a solid and effective performance as a decent guy who is told that his life is coming to end. The love scenes with Felicity Kendal aka Barbara Good are magnificent and the presence of the two expensive, beautiful and stylish call girls considerably enhances the film.

A success.

6/10

This really is quite an entertaining romp. The cast is 'all-star' from a British perspective and generally put to good use. It's not laugh out loud funny but it is fun. The general idea of bumping off those who've upset you in life when you know you're going to die is a nice one. It got me thinking about my 'list' anyhow! I guess as a Micael Winner film it could be seen as a kind of comedy 'Death Wish'!. Oliver Reed is particularly good fun as a world-weary assassin. Chris Rea in the lead role is not at all bad in a down-beat kind of way and it's a mild surprise that we've not seen him in anything else since (at least I haven't). I don't think you'd be disappointed if you see this film.

I thought that actors like John Cleese, Oliver Reed, Diana Rigg would be a recommendation for this piece. Unfortunately it's not. Only Rigg (perhaps better known as Emma Peel) is shown longer than some others. And her performance is stifled at best. It's a pity. Chris Rea is not an actor and judging from this he should refrain from an actor career. But maybe it is the sole fault of the director why this thing fails so miserably. While the story shows promise, the implementation is so shoddy that it actually hurts seeing this. Best summarized at the end of the scene where John Cleese's character closes the door after he had a painful talk with Rea. He bends over, holds his head with his hands and cries out loud: "Oh my God!" Apparently with great pain. That was really convincing and the best performance throughout the whole movie. Apart from that John Cleese is just John Cleese -- nothing more, which is good enough. The man can just withdraw himself and don't act at all and still makes himself at least bearable. The same goes for Oliver Reed. His character is a stoic killer. Reed did not even have to draw a face to deliver his part, which is good, because you can study him in one of his last roles. This movie only has these good points: you can watch the actors while they don't act at all or only give excuses for acting and see the people behind the masks. My conclusion: never watch a movie by Winner again.

Parting Shots was not the greatest film in the world i admit, but a great cast made it extremely watchable and fun! Oliver Reed was a particular delight as the hit-man stalking Chris Rea's central character! Another highpoint of the film (though only on screen very briefly) was the sexy Nicola Bryant playing a deliciously underwear-clad prostitute! Hmmmmmmm.......