The explosion in popularity of poker is often tied to three key moments. There was the advent of online poker, which provided a safe environment for those scared of the ˜underground' reputation of the game. This combined with the amateur player Chris Moneymaker beating all the pros in the main event of the World Series of Poker, proving that anyone could win the big one. But … [Read more...]
World’s Greatest Dad (2009) review by That Film Punk
Bobcat Goldthwait is perhaps best known to some as squeaky-voiced buffon Zed from the Police Academy sequels. But over the last decade or so, the actor-turned director has been carving himself a reputation for writing and directing comedies of a somewhat ˜unique' nature. Take breakthrough film Sleeping Dogs (2006), which gained a lot of attention on the independent circuit for … [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...]
Starbuck (2011, Canadian) review by That Film Guy
Starbuck is a 2011 Canadian comedy film directed by Ken Scott. It was the most successful Quebec-made movie within the province in 2011, bringing in just over $3m at the box office. Based loosely on the real life case of a popular sperm donor who met his previously unknown offspring, it extends and dramatizes certain factual elements throughout. … [Read more...]
No (2012, Chile) review by That Film Guy
Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards, No is Pablo Larrain's final installment in his General Pinochet trilogy. Named after the advertising campaign which aimed to overthrow the dictator's rule; Rene Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal) is a money-hungry advertising executive who is asked to run the 'No' campaign, which aims to have a democratically … [Read more...]
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009) review by That Film Student
Based on a remarkable true story, I Love you Phillip Morris details the countless escapes of Steven Russell a fraudster who is still currently serving his 140-year sentence in Texas. Initially a cop with a young family and a wife who adores him, we are taken aback (to say the least) when ten minutes in there is a rather explicit (shall we say) revelation, that Steven (Jim … [Read more...]
The Breakfast Club (1985) review by That Film Student
United by a common affliction: youth, John Hughes' iconic The Breakfast Club presents a cliché of teenagers from all corners of the social spectrum trapped together, who only reach an understanding of one another during an 8 hour Saturday detention. The criminal (Judd Nelson), jock (Emilio Estevez), prom queen (Molly Ringwald), weirdo (Ali Sheedy) and geek (Anthony Michael … [Read more...]
Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) review by That Film Guy
Hyde Park on Hudson is the country home of the mother of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray), the 32nd President of the United States. In 1939 he hosted the first visit to America of a British monarch, King George VI (Samuel West) and his wife the Queen, Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). It happened to coincide with a blossoming relationship between him and his 5th cousin, Daisy … [Read more...]
Top Gun (1986) review by That Film Guy
When discussing iconic films of any decade there is a tendency to look at Oscar winners and highly recommended art house films that will set the tone for the following years. Then, there are films like Top Gun. Released in 1986 it became the highest-grossing film of the year and has seen its legend grow since then. Like many ˜cult' films Top Gun has an impeachable place in the … [Read more...]
Rocky (1976) review by That Film Guy
Rocky is one of the most iconic sports films of all time. A sleeper hit, it became the highest grossing film of 1976 and won the Oscar for Best film, as well as a writing Oscar for star Sylvester Stallone at the 49th Annual Academy Awards. It has spawned numerous sequels, all starring Stallone and is arguably the most recognisable sports film franchise of all time. Loosely … [Read more...]