Never before has a modern film so perfectly succeeded in capturing the look, style and feel of the 70's Sexploitation classics. Anna Biller's "Viva" is an explosion of color, humor and schlock done to the nines, besting attempts made by far bigger-budgeted flicks like "Austin Powers" and "Grindhouse" in truly recreating a bygone era. It's a true skin-comedy epic that delivers everything the gorgeous promotional art promises, and will no doubt become a cult classic among those with a true affinity for well-done homage. I watched this with some friends and there were times when we had to actually stop the DVD because we were laughing so hard! The prostitution and nudist camp scenes are simply unbelievable. Highly recommended.

I stumbled upon the 2007 comedy "Viva" from writer and director Anna Biller here in 2022. I was only familiar with the movie from its title, but I actually didn't know anything about it. And I can't claim that I have ever had the urge to get to know more about the movie, otherwise I would have done so a long time ago and not wait 15 years to watch it.

But I had the opportunity to watch it in 2022, and so I did. And boy this movie was a swing and a miss in terms of entertaining me. First of all, I found the pacing of the movie insanely slow paced, and it felt very prolonged and moving ahead at a snail's pace. To make it even worse, then the fact that there was nothing funny about the movie, nor anything overly interesting happening, just happened to prolong the suffering and the ordeal that is "Viva".

The acting performances in "Viva" were wooden and rigid, if not actually downright abysmal and amateurish. It was cringeworthy to watch the actors and actresses stumble about here like beheaded chickens with no aim and direction. I sincerely hope that this was the aim of writer and director Anna Biller, otherwise it was just downright horrible.

I will say that the vibe of the movie was spot on, definitely capturing that tacky 1970s sensation and feel right on. So writer and director Anna Biller did do something right here. Lost of great props, sets, wardrobe, make-up and costumes. Just a shame that the movie's storyline failed to capture my interest or deliver much of any enjoyment for me.

"Viva" wasn't even remotely close to being a funny movie, and it utterly failed to tickle me in the right places. As such, I am rating "Viva" a more than generous three out of ten stars, and that is based on the 1970s feel that was spot on.

This film is so good yet I'm sure there will be many unable to truly enjoy it as I have (and will again) because of its daring and its honesty and to be honest its historical setting. Anna Biller has brilliantly and lovingly created an homage (with feminist overtones) to late 60s/early 70s sexploitation. She stars, a little uncomfortably, it has to be said, though this works for the film, and even disrobes for her art. The set designs, the art on the walls and even an animated sequence (brilliant) are all her own work and stunning it all is. This looks, sounds and feels like a product of the time and I can understand youngsters just finding it all funny but for me it is like stepping into a very knowing time capsule and entering a very thoughtful look as what appears so trivial. There is much nudity, much wooden acting, truck loads of bright and garish colours and lots of limp dialogue vaguely pontificating a world seemingly changing forever but in reality a speck, an aberration, a unique moment in time, perfectly captured. Enjoy if you dare!