In the modern era, one thing that is common in just about every major war is that America is somehow involved. How deep their involvement goes and exactly what happens is never very clear which is why the seemingly never ending conflicts spawn so many documentary features. … [Read more...]
Review: Elf (2003)
That time of the year has come to watch Will Ferrell prance around with the rest of Santa's little helpers in the silly yet hilarious, Elf (2003). Ferrell plays Buddy, a human who found himself stowed away into Santa's sack and taken away from his orphanage to the North Pole. Life is about to get very interesting for this human come elf. … [Read more...]
Review: The Lego Movie (2014)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00EXPOEGO][/pullquote] Like video games based on films, films based on toys are often ill-conceived, produced cheaply and lack originality. Everything from Masters of the Universe through Transformers to Battleship, they are often just an excuse to cash in on a … [Read more...]
Review: The Zero Theorem (2013)
The master of the weird and wonderful Terry Gilliam hasn't been the most consistent director of recent years. After onset problems with his Don Quixote film and the documentary that came from it, his unique brand of film-making has proved difficult with regard raising any kind of production funds. However with a great cast lined up this didn't prove as difficult to create The … [Read more...]
Review: RoboCop (2014)
In many ways, Jose Padilha's reboot of Paul Verhoeven's 1987 RoboCop is on a hiding to nothing. Fondly regarded as a sci-fi classic with plenty of satirical bite, the original RoboCop has plenty of admirers who will be appalled at the very thought of a remake. But if you can forget all that, it's perfectly possible to enjoy Padilha's turbo-charged update which tackles similar … [Read more...]
Review: Out of the Furnace (2013)
It's just too tempting to say Out Of The Furnace and into the fire to describe Scott Cooper's slow burning thriller which sees two brothers in a downward spiral which sees their lives go from bad to very much worse. It's a film that takes its time, perhaps too much time, to tell its story but we stay with it thanks to compelling performances from Christian Bale, Casey Affleck … [Read more...]
Review: Lone Survivor (2013)
Former Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell was determined that his astonishing story of survival against the odds in Afghanistan be portrayed accurately on the big screen and he will no doubt be pleased with Peter (Battleship, Kingdom) Berg's nerve-shredding Lone Survivor. From a soldier's point of view, it gets over the all the fear, panic and tension involved when a mission goes wrong. … [Read more...]
Review: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
After recovering from a a grave injury suffered on duty in Afghanistan, former US Marine Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) is approached by CIA operative Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner). Recruited he goes undercover on Wall Street in a duel role of agent and analyst when he recognises a plot developing involving billionaire Cherevin (Kenneth Branagh) who plans to crash the dollar and bring … [Read more...]
Review: Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
An anti-homophobic fable Dallas Buyers Club, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee tells the story of Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) a life-loving rodeo cowboy in the 1980s, who discovers that due to one of his many unprotected dalliances that he has contracted HIV and aids. Initially sceptical about the diagnosis, his deteriorating health highlights the truth and he finds himself … [Read more...]
Review: Beware of Mr. Baker (2012)
Beware of Mr. Baker tells the incredible story of legendary drummer Ginger Baker and his life through music and after. One of the three men to make up the influential band Cream among others, we are introduced to the man through a scene where he hits the film's director Jay Bulger in the face with his walking stick along with the threat I'll put you in the hospital. What is … [Read more...]