Fucking Bruges. You'll hear this several times, from various characters in this superb black comedy from writer/director Martin McDonagh (responsible for the excellent Seven Psychopaths). It's hard to find a pairing of words that better summarises the unique appeal of what is one of the strongest debuts of any recent British film-maker. … [Read more...]
Review: Seven Psychopaths (2012)
In 2008, Martin McDonagh released In Bruges. It was the tale of two hitmen, played by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, hiding out in Bruges, waiting for orders from their boss, Harry, played by Ralph Fiennes. The film was very highly received, and won a BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay. It had a limited release in the US, but still managed to gross $33 million on a $15 … [Read more...]
Review: End of Watch (2012)
End of Watch is a new installment in the buddy patrol cop genre, set in gangland Los Angeles focusing on Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike Zavala (Michael Pena). The movie swiftly establishes the level of violence with a high speed pursuit ending in a shootout and the reputation of the films two stars as the gunslinging good guys, all before the opening credits roll to … [Read more...]
Killer Joe (2012) review by That Film Guy
We are told from the opening credits that Killer Joe is based on a play by Tracey Letts, but also a film by William Friedkin. The latter is far more apparent than former judging by the viciously satirical, yet utterly compelling way in which the story unfolds. Chris (Emile Hirsch) owes $6,000 to a local criminal. Poor, unemployed and lacking in other options, he suggest to his … [Read more...]
Skyfall (2012) review by That Film Guy
With the legal wranglings finished and the shonky Quantum of Solace left firmly in the past, the film-makers at EON made their intent clear during pre-production. On the 50th anniversary of the franchise, they wanted a James Bond film of such quality that it would do what no predecessor has managed and bag nominations in the big categories at the Oscars. So the stakes are high … [Read more...]
Quantum of Solace (2008) review by That Film Guy
The 22nd James Bond film in the franchise, Quantum of Solace sees Daniel Craig return as MI6's most dangerous spy and is named and very loosely based on a short story by Ian Fleming that appeared in the For Your Eyes Only collection. Paul Haggis once again receives credit as one of the many script contributors and it was directed by Marc Foster. At the box office it took a few … [Read more...]
Casino Royale (2006) review by That Film Guy
In 2006 after the shambles that was Die Another Day the James Bond franchise got a much needed reboot. Casting Daniel Craig as the MI6 spy, Casino Royale took the character back to his origin story and in a pre-titles sequence showed him getting his first two kills while on duty. Originally linked to Quentin Tarantino, the director's chair was eventually given to Martin … [Read more...]
Live and Let Die (1973) review by That Film Guy
With Sean Connery officially departed and the catastrophe of George Lazenby put to bed, a search began for a new James Bond. Rather than trying to find someone to replace Connery, EON decided to take the character and the franchise in a different direction and cast Roger Moore, famous for playing suave characters in television shows like The Saint and The Persuaders he brought … [Read more...]
Diamonds are Forever (1971) review by That Film Guy
After the critical mauling that George Lazenby and the series had suffered after On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the James Bond franchise looked back to the original Bond Sean Connery to bring a steady performance and right a potentially sinking ship. Diamonds are Forever took Bond back to the formula that had served it so well in the 1960s and gave the producers time to … [Read more...]
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) review by That Film Guy
Following the departure of Sean Connery in the lead role, the producers of the James Bond films looked to replace him with an actor who was equally as good-looking and charismatic for the next film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Their choice was the face of Big Fry Chocolate, the male model George Lazenby. It would be a choice that at the time was wildly unpopular and caused … [Read more...]