Stephen King adaptations have become a mainstay in Hollywood since Carrie was released in 1976. Known for his contributions to horror fiction, in books, television and film, his dramatic short stories have actually provided the basis of some of the best film adaptations, notably Frank Darabont's masterpiece The Shawshank Redemption and its sister film The Green Mile. Based on a … [Read more...]
The Sweeney (2012) review by That Film Dude
If you like Ray Winstone and the kind of films he tends to make, you'll probably like The Sweeney, as it's pretty much exactly what you'd expect. Based on the '70s TV series of the same name, it's a refreshingly uncomplicated and enjoyably violent police drama. It's nothing special and not terribly memorable, but it's fun while it lasts. … [Read more...]
Lawless (2012) review That Film Dude
Adapted from the book The Wettest County in the World by Frank Bondurant, Lawless tells the story of the author's grandfather and granduncles, the Bondurant brothers. An 18 rated, gangster/western hybrid, it's something of a rarity these days, and the fact that a period piece aimed at the adult market was able to finally get made, a previous attempt to produce it having … [Read more...]
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) review by That Film Dude
Based on a now all but forgotten novel, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one of those films which, quite simply, everyone must see. For fans of the Golden Age of animation this goes double, since it features cameos from dozens of classic cartoon characters from both the Warner Bros and Disney stables, and seeing traditionally hand-drawn characters interacting with live-action people … [Read more...]
Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) review by That Film Fatale
Steven Soderbergh brings back the comedy crime caper in the last instalment of the Oceans Trilogy, Ocean's Thirteen. Danny (George Clooney) and Rusty's (Brad Pitt) very own rat pack once again bring in fresh faces, losing Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta Jones, and gaining Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin who are working together once more. Pacino's talent and skill as an actor can … [Read more...]
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) review by That Film Guy
Following the moderate success of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, star Mike Myers and director Jay Roach return with Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Much like the James Bond films that it gently satirises, this sequel plays against the law of diminishing returns, offering a funnier, bolder and groovier story about the super-spy and became a box office smash … [Read more...]
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997) review That Film Guy
Following one from the success of Wayne's World and Wayne's World 2, writer and star Mike Myers moved onto a satire of 1960s spy films. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery saw him don a crushed blue velvet suit and some bad teeth as a sexually adventurous representation of the swinging 60s, while simultaneously playing his own nemesis, the Blofeld-inspired Dr.Evil, … [Read more...]
Ocean’s Twelve (2004) review by That Film Fatale
Steven Soderbergh gives Oceans Twelve the international treatment in the much anticipated sequel to the 2001 star-filled Oceans Eleven. Sticking to the formula used in the previous movie, but with a few special additions “ Eddie Izzard, Vincent Cassel with brief appearances from Robbie Coltrane and Bruce Willis (ingeniously casted as himself). This time the game has changed and … [Read more...]
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) review by That Film Fatale
Heist films are few and far between when looking in comparison with other genres, then there were the Ocean's Trilogy. In a day and age that trilogies seem to be taking over the book and film world, it only seems fitting to look at these particular three. Ocean's Eleven, originally a Rat Pack film from 1960, has now become much more, with Steven Soderbergh essentially sexing up … [Read more...]
Insomnia (2002) review by That Film Guy
Based on a Scandinavian film of the same name, Insomnia was director Christopher Nolan's third film and represented the first time he had worked with a big budget and named Hollywood stars. Backed by executive producers George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, Insomnia took $113m at the box office from a budget of $46m, but is often one of the overlooked Nolan films as it bridges … [Read more...]