How I Spent My Summer Vacation (15)

Film

HowISpentSummerVacation_02.jpg

Time Out rating:

<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5

User ratings:

<strong>Rating: </strong>4/5
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Time Out says

Tue May 8 2012

Following the unsurprising nosedive of his last-ditch shot at sympathy and redemption, ‘The Beaver’, it seems Mel Gibson has decided to accept his position as hate figure No 1 and, if possible, turn it to his advantage. The tale of an American crook (Gibson) who ends up in a Mexican jail, ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation’ is ugly, misanthropic and filled with racist stereotypes. It’s also superbly constructed, pithily scripted and absurdly entertaining. When Gibson’s gringo – who remains unnamed for much of the movie – is shipped off to El Pueblito, he finds a world of junkies, hookers and psychotic gangsters from which there is supposedly no escape. Pairing up with a plucky kid (Kevin Hernandez) with a dark secret, he proceeds to turn this third-world hellscape upside down. There’s no escaping the fact that this is a nasty, vicious little film – the climax is startlingly unpleasant. But with its sharp dialogue, beautifully streamlined story and fistful of surprises, the Mel haters are going to have to find another brickbat for now.

Author: Tom Huddleston

10

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Release details

Rated:

15

UK release:

Fri May 11 2012

Duration:

96 mins

Cast and crew

Director:

Adrian Grunberg

Screenwriter:

Adrian Grunberg, Mel Gibson

Cast:

Mel Gibson, Peter Stormare, Dean Norris

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 4/5 (7 ratings)

  • A fun, rollicking, rip-roaring film that's a potent reminder of Mel Gibson's undeniable charm, even when in effortless, sweaty, middle-aged bum mode. There's plenty familiar in this action vehicle, but also, surprisingly, plenty that's not, and many moments had me laughing aloud - and even applauding - in delight. This film deserved a theatrical release, and is such an enjoyable breath of fresh air, especially in comparison to all the dreck we have to live with in today's action-adventure landscape. And one more note, in passing: beyond his performance and the quality of the writing (he has a co-writing credit on this), I respect Gibson's professionalism and loyalty when it comes to his co-workers; how many actor/producer/directors would nurture a 1st AD and give them their directorial debut on a vehicle such as this?

    Matthew Sun May 5
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • Pretty much spot on review - the film is pretty full on but brilliantly done. The cinematography sharp, the pace and editing even sharper. It's very very gritty and Mel Gibson is just superb. Funny, violent, full on, entertaining - rent it!

    Justin Berkovi Wed Apr 3
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • The facts still remain, I've never come across anyone who seems to hate Mel Gibson, and everyone seems to love this movie.

    dave Wed May 23 2012
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  • Dave, you're so right. Why do people have a problem with Mel just because he's a massive homophobe, racist, anti semitic bully with a persecution complex?

    frank Wed May 23 2012
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  • Everyone seems to love this film. Also, I don't know anyone who "hates" Mel Gibson. It all sounds like a desperate attempt by the Hollywood powers that be to make people believe Mel is hated.

    Dave Wed May 23 2012
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  • Top action movie. Gritty Mexican reality. (how anyone survives in Mexico beats me). Mel in his 'Payback' mode. Really nasty in bits but intriguing storyline overall. How this got only a 15 rating I'll never know as it contains torture and rape but well worth seeing.

    long cat Thu May 17 2012
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • Mildly diverting, slightly offbeat action drama. Two and a half stars.

    critique Thu May 17 2012
    Rated as: 3/5
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  • Hope Ken Clarke doesnt see this.. he might see it a a new model Very entertaining and a story so bizarre youwould struggle to explain.. Welcome back Mad Mel

    john o sullivan Tue May 15 2012
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • Sweaty shenanigans mixed with bloody bluffs and vicious vengeance. Like the sound of that (cos there ain't a lot more to it) ? Then you won't go wrong here. 7/10

    scrumpyjack Fri May 11 2012
    Rated as: 3/5
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  • The Mel comeback film we all waned. In a world without gold diggers and egomaniacal screenwriters, this would've been his TAKEN!

    Jim Wed May 9 2012
    Rated as: 5/5
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