Some horror films start with a dramatic and frightening scene which drops the viewer straight into the action. Birdemic doesn't. In fact it never really starts. And it's not really a horror film. In fact it's barely a film. If you decide to watch it (don't) fast forward to exactly half way through. That way you'll only have to wait two minutes instead of 47 for anything at all … [Read more...]
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance (2002, South Korea) review by That Art House Guy
Sympathy for Mr Vengeance is the first in Park Chan-Wook's trilogy of revenger's tragedies. It passed under the radar on its initial release, but the global success of Oldboy led to many film fans seeking it out. However, those seeking the extravagant twists and overwhelming mayhem of Oldboy will be in for a surprise when confronted by Sympathy for Mr Vengeance. Yes, there are … [Read more...]
The Final Destination (2009) review by That Film Brat
The quality of a film is a funny thing. Of course, everyone wants a film to be good, otherwise seeing it feels like a waste of time and money. But sometimes, a film comes along that's so bad in every respect, in it's acting, writing, direction, and story that it almost comes around full circle and becomes enormously entertaining. One fine example would by Tommy Wiseau's … [Read more...]
Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) review by That Film Dude
After the success of the Dollars Trilogy, Sergio Leone had intended to retire from Westerns, believing that he had finished with the genre. However, when he was offered the chance to work with Henry Fonda, one of his favourite actors, he returned for one last time with Once Upon a Time in the West. … [Read more...]
ParaNorman (2012) review by That Film Guy
Following on from the success of Coraline, Laika Studios have released an original film directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell entitled ParaNorman. Using the same stop-motion methods of its predecessor, ParaNorman is a pastiche, satire and homage to 1960s horror films and the John Hughes films of the 1980s. Originally pitched to Disney as an idea, it was eventually created by … [Read more...]
The Expendables 2 (2012) review by That Film Guy
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00D48ZPPA][/pullquote] Beefcake Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) returns along with the rest of his ragtag band of mercenaries, The Expendables in the originally titled sequel The Expendables 2. Gone from the original are Mickey Rourke and after a brief cameo, Yin … [Read more...]
The Expendables (2010) review by That Film Guy
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00D48ZPPA][/pullquote] The 1980s was a good period for a select few of muscle-bound actors. Films like Die Hard, The Terminator and Rocky dominated the box office and the age of the action hero was in full swing. Move a decade on and these men found themselves on the … [Read more...]
Step-Up 4: Miami Heat (2012) review by That Film Guy
Back we go to the land where people don't talk about their problems, they DANCE about their problems. Step-Up 4:Miami Heat follows the tried-and-tested formula of the previous instalments and pretty much every dance film ever made. Emily (Kathryn McCormick) a girl from the good side of tracks whose struggling with a lack of imagination in her dance routines who falls for Sean … [Read more...]
Made in Dagenham (2010) review by That Film Guy
Loosely based on the real events, Made in Dagenham sees Rita O'Grady (Sally Hawkins) positioned into a position of responsibility during contract negotiations with trade unions during the late 1960s. She suddenly finds herself leading her colleagues in a strike, influenced by floor manager Albert (Bob Hoskins) and demanding equal pay to their male colleagues. The resulting … [Read more...]
Tiny Furniture: Musing on the Most Self-Absorbed Generation
In the first episode of the television series Girls, Lena Dunham's character: aspiring writer, Hannah, tells her parents that she may be ˜the voice of a generation' or at least ˜a voice of a generation.' It's a beautiful moment of self-deprecating humour, as Dunham herself is actually being hailed, in some circles at least, as the voice of her generation: the post-recession, … [Read more...]