Dear Wendy Reviews

Action with flair...

If you look at this film as a piece of art, and you just want to enjoy a damn good story without searching for metaphors or morality then you’ll be delighted. Its nicely paced, looks beautiful and the performances are very good indeed. The writer and director both claim that there’s no message about guns/America’s attitude to guns in the film, and that stands up. I can, however, also see that people will argue that there is a distinct message about violence, but I’m also certain that you could find equal amounts of people who see an anti-gun message and those who claim it glamorises firearms.

The actions of the gang may seem extreme, but anyone who has spent even one day feeling “left-out” can identify with the fervency that the group succumb to once they finally feel that they belong with a group of like-minded individuals.

The film doesn’t give me a chance to do one of those lazy “x meets y” reviews because I can’t think of a similar film. One can recognise aspects of Lars Von Trier’s other works in the script and certainly in the graphics, but the director has stamped his own style on the film.

For those of you who do want one of those lazy reviews try “The Breakfast Club meets The Quick and the Dead” – now that’s got you wondering…

Suprising!

This was one of my favourite films of 2005, and i was really suprised after walking into the cinema not knowing anything about the film apart from that it featured Jamie Bell. The actual story line may be a little flimsy centering around a group of Teens who form an anti-violence coalition in order to boost their own self esteem. However the way it's shot and the actual feel of the film is very pleasing indeed, the film drips with style.

If you're a fan of slightly off centre indie films then you must rent this...

Stand By Me (with 6 guns, a granny and a girl)

Wow! What a rollicking good film.

Jamie Bell gives an outstanding central performance as Dick Dandelion. (This boy is TOO talented). After stumbling accross a vintage handgun, which he names Wendy, he forms a clandestine gang called 'The Dandies' compiled of other local kids, who also exist on the ouskirts of society.

Cue some really well defined, quirky and compelling characterisation from such actors as Chris Owen (from the American Pie trilogy) as the calliper legged Huey another member of Dick's band of pacifist gun lovers.

The film simmers away and concludes with an unexpected series of twists worthy of a M.Night Shyamalan movie.

What I found most interesting was the exploration of empowerment through gun ownership. But this is more than an 'issue' movie, it is also a touching exploration of adolescent relationships which were reminiscent of those in Stand By Me (1986).

All in all this is a highly original, pacy, visceral and offbeat coming of age movie that explores the psychology behind gun culture.

Simple but effective

This film is probably not everyones cup of tea but personally I liked it, so did my girlfriend, which I thought she wouldn't.

A pretty simple but effective story about kids in a small mining town in America who don't really have a great deal to do and are different from the majority of the townsfolk who are miners.

The kids are considered losers by most of the town so they start their own club in an abandoned mine on the edge of town. With good performances from the actors, three at least of whom you may recgonise from other films if you watch a lot, the main character being a grown up Billy Elliot!

Again it's not for eveyone, but what film is? Give it a go!

Why oh why

This was terrible. The storyline was non existent and the acting is some of the worst ive ever seen.

Dear Wendy?

A strange film at best, a mind-numbingly complex view of life in a small U.S. town full of eccentrics. The plodding plot, low-budget setting and absurd casting, make this frustrating to watch. Interestingly, I watched it all, waiting in anticipation for the pace to quicken. I would give Dear Wendy a Dear John if you, like me, thought it was an action/western film.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Firing blanks

Lars Von Trier does come up with some interesting ideas which often challenge the viewer (see the magnificent 'Dogville') but on this occasion he fails miserably. Its just very tedious - watching and listening to someone wax lyrical about their love when its a gun! Doesn't work I'm afraid.

Dear Wendy

...can I have my hour and three quarters back now as i've seen some poor films but this takes the biscuit .

Firing Blanks

Utter complete rubbish, may get better but I could only stand the first 30 minutes. Not one to keep my attention.

Far Too Boring - Nothing New Here

Dreary film saved only by some reasonable performances from the cast.

I don't see the appeal to anyone over the age of 15.

static location based around a small town square very limited plotline.

The Slow start is a real turn off.

Expect to laugh in about 2 places - and even then more out of dsesperation than anything else.