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...]
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...]
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...]
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) review by That Film Guy
In 1939 MGM gave us The Wizard of Oz, the iconic tale of Dorothy, Toto, red slippers, yellow bricks road and the Emerald City. Forty-six years later, an unofficial sequel came to us in 1985 in the form of Return to Oz, a much darker twist ion the classic Oz tale. And now in 2013 Disney and Sam Raimi have brought the tale full circle by giving us a prequel. Oz the Great and … [Read more...]
Safe Haven (2013) review by That Film Brat
If there's one best-selling author working at the moment that has proved to have no range whatsoever, it's Nicholas Sparks. All his stories are the same. Two people with no character flaws meet, they fall in love (regardless of the chemistry they actually have), something happens to separate them in which they sit around moping for a while, then meet up again, make-up, and … [Read more...]
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) review by That Film Guy
The mission for Hollywood executives to fill the gaps left by Harry Potter and Twilight in the burgeoning tween market continues with the fairytale-based Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Directed by Tommy Wirkola of Dead Snow fame, it lists Will Ferrell as a producer and saw its release delayed by a year to coincide with star Jeremy Renner's meteoric rise in popularity. … [Read more...]
Song for Marion (2012) review by That Film Brat
Song For Marion (also known as Unfinished Song) focuses around Arthur (Terence Stamp), the grumpy husband of Marion (Venessa Redgrave), a free spirit who is set on performing with her choir in an upcoming competition. However, when Marion falls ill of cancer, Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) tries to convince Arthur to sing in Marion's place. Arthur is also at odds with his estranged … [Read more...]
Stoker (2013) review by That Film Guy
Following the success of his Vengeance Trilogy, director Park Chan-Wook has been busy establishing himself on the global stage. First his vampire-lead thriller Thirst and now his English language debut comes in the form of psychological thriller Stoker. … [Read more...]