Nine years after the original instalment, Rocky IV represented quite the turning point in the franchise. The original was a genre-defining masterpiece that introduced the world to an edgy, unique character and set the benchmark for all future sports films. By Rocky IV the films had become everything that the first railed against. Cliched, predictable and completely soulless, … [Read more...]
Red Dawn (1984) review by That Film Guy
After the height of the Cold War, Hollywood showcased a group of young talent in the invasion, war drama Red Dawn. Supposing that a collection of communist states have joined together. The film charts the birth of a resistance force formed from a high school American football team called the Wolverines. Based on the novel Ten Soldiers and co-written by John Milius, Red Dawn was … [Read more...]
Red Dawn (2012) review by That Film Guy
Now that the remake bandwagon is in full swing, it's not surprising that films of all sorts of quality and cultural impact are getting the up-to-date treatment. Cue Red Dawn, a vehicle for rising star, and Loki-botherer Chris Hemsworth who inherits the role from 80s icon Patrick Swayze. This time it's not the Russians, Cubans or Nicaraguans, but rather those ˜dastardly' North … [Read more...]
The Paperboy (2012) review by That Film Guy
Director Lee Daniels follows his breakthrough hit Precious with The Paperboy, a trashy Southern exploitation thriller based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Pete Dexter. When idealistic journalist Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) returns to his hometown in Florida with writing partner Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo), he plans to help exonorate death row inmate Hillery Van … [Read more...]
Faster (2010) review by That Film Guy
Following his run of family-friendly films, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was clearly keen to get back to more adult, muscle-flexing fair. Enter Faster, a throwback to the pulp action thrillers of the 1970s directed by George Tillman Jr. and co-starring Billy Bob Thornton and Maggie Grace. … [Read more...]
Welcome to the Punch (2013) review by That Film Doctor
British films tend to have a certain stereotype associated with them. Bridget Jones' Diary, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The King's Speech, there's a certain ˜Britishness' that's expected from UK-made films; that is, if they are to be successful. This says more about the cultural pastiches that circle the globe than the quality of UK films, yet there is certain ˜recipe' for a … [Read more...]
Old School (2003) review by That Film Guy
For people of a certain age, Old School represents the quintessential University/College film. Like Animal House before it, Todd Phillips' comedy masterpiece engrossed a generation who watched it religiously and it thus it took its place in the canon of great comedies. Being released so close to Will Ferrell's magnum opus, Anchorman, Old School can often be overlooked in … [Read more...]
Lake Placid (1999) review by That Film Geek
In a strangely successful combination, Lake Placid is written by Ally McBeal creator David E. Kelley and directed by Friday 13th Parts 2 and 3 director Steve Miner. Combining fun characters, witty dialogue and excellent special effects, this film is probably the best example of the giant-crocodile subgenre, and if that sounds like damning with faint praise, it's a genuinely … [Read more...]
Robot and Frank (2012) review by That Film Guy
Directed by Jake Shreier, Robot and Frank is an independently spirited drama comedy set in the near future. It follows eponymous Frank (Frank Langella) a retired cat burgular, whose deteriprating memory is cause for concern for his son Hunter (James Marsden) who brings him a robot (Peter Sarsgaard) to help around the house. Initially sceptical of the machine, he soon finds that … [Read more...]
Beautiful Creatures (2013) review by That Film Fatale
Fantasy films are on the up and up in the weird and wonderful world of Hollywood. Most early to mid twenties actors look for these roles to kick start their careers, hoping for worldwide domination, Twilight style. Beautiful Creatures like many films as of present, is based on a collection of novels. A cast of credible actors Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Viola Davis support … [Read more...]