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The online film magazine Combustible Celluloid offers new movie reviews, DVD reviews, film reviews, actor interviews, actress interviews, director interviews, film books and all things cinema related for the thoughtful and passionate. Online for ten years! Over 3000 reviews!

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Dear Wendy (2005)

Rating: 2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Reign of Firearms

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Buy Dear Wendy on DVD

Lars von Trier wrote this diatribe against gun violence -- especially American gun violence -- and the result is mixed. It begins well, with Dick (Jamie Bell) becoming fascinated by an antique gun and forming a Fight Club-like gun cult, centered around strict rules, rituals and non-violence. But, when an unknown element, Sebastian (Danso Gordon), enters and stirs everything, he causes the predictable violent climax. Dick narrates the entire film as a love letter to his gun, Wendy. Von Trier and former "Dogme 95" director Thomas Vinterberg (The Celebration) have a true passion for details, but can't help indulging in the same exploitation elements that they decry, including a gratuitous topless scene. Bill Pullman appears to be having fun, though, in his co-starring role as a cop named Krugsby.

Starring: Jamie Bell, Bill Pullman, Michael Angarano, Danso Gordon, Novella Nelson, Chris Owen, Alison Pill, Mark Webber
Written by: Lars von Trier
Directed by: Thomas Vinterberg
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 105 minutes
Date: November 15, 2005