SparkMore n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

Lollivan It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Quiet Muffin This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

Skyler Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

Charles Camp As far as craft is concerned, Shallow Grave is an impressive film. Danny Boyle is a stylish filmmaker and despite the fact that this is his first directorial effort, that style shines through. This is a very good-looking film with excellent set design and color scheming, as well as great camera-work. There's also an undeniable giddiness and energy to the film. It feels like the product of a talented guy who loves movies and has finally been given the opportunity to make his own; he's having fun, and it's infectious.It really is a shame then that I couldn't get into this. For all of its style and unique energy, this movie ultimately failed to engage on an intellectual or emotional level. There are potentially good themes at work here as we see these three friends devolve into increasingly nefarious behavior: greed, corruption, and the inability to trust even those closest to you. But ultimately these themes aren't so much explored as they are presented. I don't feel as if I've gained any insight into the dark impulses of man as the credits roll, even if I have been shown them.Perhaps the reason for this is my inability to really get on board with these characters. The performances themselves are actually quite good, with Ewan McGregor in particular giving a great portrayal of Alex which (intentional or not) is reminiscent of Malcolm McDowell as another (more memorable) Alex. However, I never felt like I really understood these characters or their motivations. They were introduced to be relatively immature and cruel in the beginning of the film as they torment some prospective roommates, but they essentially go from 0 to 60 from there without much setup. It wasn't so much a descent into criminality as a leap off of a cliff, which felt at odds with the fact that at least two of the three main characters were clearly well- off, intelligent, and successful (doctor and accountant). The film tries to make a grand statement - at the outset it claims that the actions we are about to witness are things that any individual is capable of, even those who we would typically trust or deem honorable. It tries to reveal the primal, selfish nature of humans and the potential corrupting power of greed. But that theme doesn't ring true because of the lack of setup given to these characters. The quickness with which they jump to the heinous crimes they commit gives the impression that they were already morally compromised and sadistic to begin with. It doesn't feel like I'm watching average, decent people who have been seduced to violence by greed. Rather, I feel like I'm watching the story of these three specific opportunists who already lack empathy for others and, not surprisingly, spiral downwards when put in the situation that the film sets up. The universality of the theme just doesn't land.So then, what if you just forget the failed thematic goal and view the film as just that - a stylish thriller about three bad friends doing bad things? I think your mileage will still vary. There just wasn't enough intrigue in the plot for it to really hold the film up on its own accord, and the characters aren't colorful or fleshed-out enough to stand next to similar creations like the aforementioned Alex DeLarge. Beyond the style, great visuals, and giddy energy, the film just doesn't have much else going for it.

Lee Eisenberg In the past twenty years, Danny Boyle has become a noted director. His oeuvre includes "Trainspotting", "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours". His directorial debut was the black comedy "Shallow Grave". The premise seems routine: some friends find a cache of money near a man who apparently committed suicide and decide to keep it. But it's only after that when the real part of the movie begins. You see, these friends aren't the nicest people to begin with - they're real a**holes to their potential new apartment sharers - but once the episode with the dead body ends, they turn practically psychotic.Ewan McGregor in his debut here looks almost like a teenager. His character's handsome looks hide a Machiavellian side. He, Kerry Fox and Christopher Eccleston turn in some great performances as the friends, growing more suspicious of each other as the movie progresses. But the bulk of the credit should go to Boyle, who moves everything along at the right pace to a surprising ending. I recommend it.

Chris L This singular Shallow Grave, first feature for Danny Boyle and the first of his three collaborations with Ewan McGregor, already showed in 1994 all the potential of the English director.The premise, everybody imagined at least once, is relatively simple but the script of this tragedy unfolds in an implacable way from start to finish, in an intriguing and heavy atmosphere that captivates the viewer. The characters composing this trio are complementary and each evolve differently until the ultra cynical final outcome punctuated with an unsuspected mini twist.However, the movie could be blamed for what also makes its strength, which is his absurd aspect maybe a bit too absurd. Moreover, the editing could have deserved a bit more coherence.

karl_consiglio Immediately they should have hidden the money. Then call the police about the body. Then when all the investigating is over split the money. And each goes their own way. Until they meet again all prosperous. But apart from that it was a tight all suspenseful movie. Never undermine anybody! Thing is my way would not have got that guy all messed up. Love the snappy humor. Could they not have chopped the body up together? Done pieces in turns maybe? Share the responsibility. My favorite part was when under questioning the chick was asked whether she remembers people by their faces or names best. And being a nurse she says "diseases". Then the investigator says that just like her he recalls people's behavior by their crimes. I do recommend this movie.