Shoot 'Em Up (2007), directed by Michael Davis, is a hyper-stylized, fast-paced action film that delivers nonstop gunfights and dark humor. The movie stars Clive Owen as Mr. Smith, a mysterious, carrot-chomping loner who gets caught up in a deadly conspiracy when he rescues a newborn baby during a violent shootout.
Smith reluctantly becomes the baby’s protector after the mother is killed, and he uncovers a plot involving corrupt politicians, illegal arms deals, and a secret about the infant that powerful people are willing to kill for. As he tries to keep the baby safe, Smith teams up with Donna Quintano (Monica Bellucci), a lactating prostitute who helps him care for the child.
Hot on their trail is the relentless and sadistic hitman Hertz (Paul Giamatti), who commands an army of assassins and is determined to capture the baby and eliminate Smith. What follows is an over-the-top series of outrageous action scenes, stunts, and shootouts that parody and celebrate classic action tropes.
Shoot 'Em Up is a tongue-in-cheek, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that embraces its absurdity and delivers pure, stylized chaos.
