On paper, You're Next doesn't sound like a particularly original idea: a family host a rare get-together at a spooky mansion in the middle of nowhere, then (inevitably) find themselves under attack by murderous, masked invaders. As the bloodthirsty interlopers lay siege to the house, the family must work with - or against - each other to survive. … [Read more...]
The East (2013) review by That Film Brat
The East is a political thriller (of sorts) co-written by star Brit Marling and based around a eco-terrorist group known as, well, The East. Ellen Page plays Sarah Moss, a former FBI agent working for a private intelligence firm, who are attempting to infiltrate The East. And, well, that's about all I can say. Normally, if I don't summarize a plot fully in a review, it's … [Read more...]
Spring Breakers (2012) review by That Film Guy
Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers was cleverly advertised with the promise of former tween favourites Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez getting wild. Using the exploitation elements of the story to draw in a young, male audience it proved a box office success taking over $30m worldwide from a small budget of $5m. … [Read more...]
Spirited Away (2001) review by That Film Journo
Some films entertain you for a couple of hours and then you forget them. Other films don't let go. They keep their hold on you, play on your mind, haunt your imagination long after the final scene has finished. Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away is one of those that keep its grip on you... even years later. … [Read more...]
Trap for Cinderella (2013) review by That Film Student
Your face comprises a significant part of your physical identity, but what do you do when you discover that it is not actually yours? We are introduced to main protagonist, Mickey (Tuppence Middleton), lying in a hospital bed, unable to move or speak. The tear that trickles down the side of her face resonates with us and from that moment we are completely on her side. In … [Read more...]
The Lion King (1994) review by That Film Guy
Arguably one of the most influential Disney animated films of all time released at the tail-end of the most creatively successful period for the production house is The Lion King. Since its original release in 1994 it has been adapted to a successful stage musical, released numerous times in cinemas and received an almost record-breaking run on DVD and Blu-ray. … [Read more...]
Despicable Me 2 (2013) review by The Documentalist
Following the success of the excellent Despicable Me, Illumination Entertainment follow up their debut feature with this highly anticipated sequel and once again prove themselves worthy Pixar adversaries. With the last outing ending in harmony with Gru (Steve Carrell) and his three adopted daughters living happily ever after it was perhaps hard to see where a second installment … [Read more...]
Despicable Me (2010) review by The Documentalist
It is not often that an animation house other than Pixar makes something that people delight in but in Despicable Me, Illumination Entertainment have proved themselves to be worthy competition with their debut feature. Super-villain Gru (Steve Carell) prides himself in being one of the finest villains the world has ever seen so when a rival, Vector (Jason Segel) steals the … [Read more...]
Aladdin (1992) review by That Film Guy
Arguably providing Robin Williams his greatest role, Disney's Aladdin give creative freedom to the rapid-fire comedian. Following on from the huge success of The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Disney had proven that feature length animated films were once again a commercially viable film type. So in 1992 they cast Williams as the Genie a constantly changing form entity … [Read more...]
Pinocchio (1940) review by That Film Guy
At the heart of the original golden age of animated films came Disney's take on the Italian folklore tale Pinocchio. One of the original feature length animated films it tells the story of the young, naïve sometimes bad puppet created by his ˜father' Geppetto. Taking our young hero and his honourable and caring guardian angel Jiminy Cricket on an adventure that sees him turned … [Read more...]