There haven't exactly been a shortage of films based on Akira Kurosawa's classic Seven Samurai, with another remake apparently planned for the near future, and the high point of the films inspired by it is easily The Magnificent Seven, a great Western and a classic in its own right. Ironclad isn't anywhere near that good, but go into it in the right mindset and you'll still … [Read more...]
American Pie 2 (2001) review by The Documentalist
Following the huge success of American Pie, an inevitable sequel, American Pie 2 followed two years later and continued the story a year on from where the original left off. With the next step being college for the main characters, we pick them up at the end of their freshman year as they all return home for the summer. As with the first film, it is all about crude situations … [Read more...]
American Pie (1999) review by The Documentalist
In 1999 the mother of all teen comedy franchises began with American Pie which remains, to this day, at the top of the pile. Imitated countless times but never bettered, American Pie is the story of four high school friends who make a pact to have sex by the time their senior prom rolls round in three weeks. Each takes a different approach to getting laid, each with varying … [Read more...]
First Blood (1982) review by That Film Guy
War is hell. It is unimaginable now to a have a war film that doesn't somehow incorporate a soldier's personal hell ideal into its narrative. Yet there was a time when soldiers were portrayed as pro-Government, 'doing their duty and loving it' role-models, exploited by the real military as poster boys for why you should sign up. Nowadays, 'War is Hell' and those fighting in any … [Read more...]
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) review by That Film Guy
Initially premiering at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, Martha Marcy May Marlene, directed by newcomer Sean Durkin, was a huge critical success. The direction and lead performances from fellow newcomer, Elizabeth Olsen (a younger sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley) and John Hawkes earnt the trio and the film itself numerous independent film festival awards and nominations, and on … [Read more...]
Speed (1994) review by That Film Fatale
1994 was a year that saw many big films being released, some of those now permanent fixtures in the ˜Best Films of All Time' collection. Rewinding back to the past, Speed enters the action film arena with Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves and Dennis Hopper leading the cast. With fresh faced, attractive, young actors, Speed appealed to both men and women globally meaning success was … [Read more...]
The Fifth Element (1997) review by That Film Guy
When The Fifth Element was released in 1997, Luc Besson was one of the hottest directors in Hollywood. Much like fellow action-junkie Michael Bay, he had one commercial hit under his belt in the form of Leon and film-going audiences wondered where he'd go next. Bay followed Bad Boys with his best film to date in The Rock, Besson couldn't quite live up to the dramatic quality of … [Read more...]
A League of Ordinary Gentlemen (2004) review by The Documentalist
Many of the best documentaries made are as much a documentary as a showcase for something that is perhaps enjoyed by the few and ignored by (or unknown to) the many. The documentary film maker has the luxury therefore of showing the world what they are missing provided they structure their narrative correctly and make their subject interesting and exciting. … [Read more...]
Review: The Rock (1996)
1996 was a younger more naïve time for the film-going audience. Transformers was still a cool kids toy from the 1980s, Nicholas Cage had some acting credibility and no one had really heard of an up-and-coming director called Michael Bay. His first film, Bad Boys had kindly introduced the world to the next big superstar in Will Smith. There was some excitement about where this … [Read more...]
Review: Take Shelter (2011)
Jeff Nichols debut directorial feature Shotgun Stories proved an independent and critical success. his follow-up, Take Shelter swept through the independent awards season like a tornado. Cruelly avoided by both the BAFTAs and Oscars, Nichols has every right to feel aggrieved as Take Shelter became one of the stand-out films of 2011. It failed to make its budget back at the box … [Read more...]