Review of Postal (2007) by Erno K — 27 Aug 2008

It's really sad that Uwe Boll can't make movies, but still he tries to convince us otherwise. One would think that he has to get better some day. Alas, that day has not yet arrived.

This movie actually started pretty well. There are original jokes in there that are actually funny, although very offensive. But the film ultimately fails to go anywhere and just keeps delivering the same thing (mindless violence), and deteriorates into a jumbled mess that has no reason behind it whatsoever. Although some kills here are funny, Boll doesn't seem to understand that killing alone is not funny. There has to be substance, even in comedies, or the movie is doomed.

I understand what the aim of the movie was. It's pretty relentless in its satire of the American life, and clearly doesn't even try to take itself seriously. It just doesn't keep up the funny throughout and becomes embarrassingly bad, like all Boll movies. The slow-motion killing of children was a classy touch though (about time!). It's as if this entire film is a big fuck you to the film industry in general. Boll is even in it playing himself and commenting on his movies. That attitude I actually liked, because I can appreciate a poignant criticism.

Easily the biggest problem of the movie is a certain fat character. He is so fucking annoying with his antics and over the top acting that I can't even describe it. Of course he dies last. Spoiled every goddamn scene he was in, he was anti-funny. He literally sucked the entertainment out of the scenes where he was. Casting director, you can shoot yourself now.

Boll doesn't seem to give up directing, no matter how much shit he has to take. I just wish he would evolve even slightly. It is starting to defy the rules of nature that one person can keep his level constantly abominable. But still... Postal had some potential at least, maybe the next Boll film can get to the awesome 2 star mark already, which would only make it shitty. Total upgrade for Uwe.