To say Woody Allen's output in recent years has been variable is putting it mildly. But if you thought his best was behind him, think again. Blue Jasmine must surely rank among his finest work, a funny but heartbreaking portrait of a woman unravelling. … [Read more...]
We’re the Millers (2013) review by That Film Brat
The beginning of 2013 was not a great period for the comedy genre. In a row we had the offensive banality of Movie 43, the poorly constructed mess of Scary Movie 5 and the frat boy annoyance of 21 & Over. Things have been looking up, though. This Is The End and The Heat were both very funny, and The World's End was absolutely fantastic, and that's not mentioning Alan … [Read more...]
Grown Ups (2010) review by That Film Reporter
Perhaps the most ironic thing about having a comedy film called Grown Ups is that the humour is ridiculously childish. At best, the gags are passable, but for the most part failed to rise even the slightest of smiles. … [Read more...]
Slap Shot (1977) review That Film Guy
In the documentary The Last Gladiators, which follows the career of former Montreal Canadiens ˜goon' Chris Nilan, the film Slap Shot is described as ˜the ultimate ice hockey fight film' and that's exactly what it is. Veteran player Reg Dunlop (Paul Newman) coaches the small town team of the Charlestown Chiefs during another disappointing season. Booed by what little fans they … [Read more...]
RIPD (2013) review by That Film Guy
Boston Police Departments Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) and his partner Bobby Hayes (Kevin Bacon) have recently found a horde of gold on a bust and decided to keep it. Nick has reservations and decides he's going to hand it in, but is killed in action on another bust. Discovering that there is an afterlife he is drafted into the RIPD (Rest in Peace Department) by Mildred Proctor … [Read more...]
The Way, Way Back (2013) review by That Film Guy
From scriptwriters Jim Rash and Nat Faxon comes the latest Indy-spirited coming-of-age comedy-drama The Way, Way Back. Awkward teenager Duncan (Liam James) is dragged to a beach house by his mum Pam (Toni Collette) and her new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell). Watching as the adults in his life regress to their younger days, Duncan struggles to fit in, until a chance bike ride … [Read more...]
Kick-Ass 2 (2013) review by That Film Guy
When released in 2010, the Matthew Vaughn directed Kick-Ass became something of a revelation. Surrounded by increasingly po-faced comic book superhero films the original film followed the story of a normal teenager donning a wet-suit to fight crime and took great big pot-shots at the genre. It successfully subverted every aspect of a superhero origin story with childish glee. A … [Read more...]
Pain and Gain (2013) review by That Film Brat
After the mega-blockbuster smash hit Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, Michael Bay, the infamous filmmaker that consistently churns out terrible film after terrible film yet keeps making embarrassing amounts of money, comes back to our screens two years later with his, quote, "great character piece". Pain & Gain is an odd film to review, since it's based on the true story of … [Read more...]
RED (2010) review by That Film Guy
RED, which rather colourfully stands for Retired, Extremely Dangerous is a knockabout action comedy starring a host of older actors who prove that blowing up bad guys is far more interesting than standard retirement activities. Forming part of a growing sub-genre of OAP actioners, RED is actually based on a limited comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner published by … [Read more...]
Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013) review by That Film Guy
The step-up from television to film can be a dangerous excursion for beloved characters. In an attempt to fit within the three-act structure of films, there is a temptation for directors to place the characters in unfamiliar and unexpected circumstances to get the ˜film feel' needed to differentiate it from the television show. It is fortunate then, that Alan Partridge: Alpha … [Read more...]