Based on a play by Tony Briggs of the same name, and inspired by a true life story, The Sapphires is an Australian dramatic comedy set in the late 1960s about a group of aboriginal soul singers. Obviously attempting to grab the same audience as 2008's Dreamgirls, The Sapphires opened strongly in its native Australia before bombing in France. It follows the story of a group … [Read more...]
Argo (2012) review by That Film Guy
Based on real-life events and the improbable story of the rescue of on-the-run US embassy workers in Iran in the late-1970s, Argo stars and is directed by Ben Affleck and co-produced by George Clooney. In many ways Affleck's acting career has a similar trajectory to Clooney's and it's interesting to see their directorial careers continue this similarity. Both started as … [Read more...]
The Three Musketeers (2011) review by That Film Toad
The Three Musketeers (originally a book by Alexandre Dumas) is indisputably a classic work, which has stood the test of time and continues to draw readers back to 17th century France. Such a leviathan of literature is, in short, well outside the scope of a reviewer who likes feasting on film-tastrophes. So imagine my surprise when Paul W.S Anderson stepped up to the plate and … [Read more...]
The Green Mile (1999) review That Film Guy
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...]
Anna Karenina (2012) review by That Film Dude
There have been many adaptations of Anna Karenina, Tolstoy's alarmingly massive novel about high society in imperial Russia, often considered one of the greatest novels ever written. This latest comes to us from director Joe Wright with a screenplay by Tom Stoppard, and stars Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Johnson. … [Read more...]
The Raven (2012) review by That Film Guy
Edgar Allen Poe was one American's most prominent writers. Famous for his Gothic-themed detective stories as well as explorations of the human psyche, his work has been a constant source of inspiration in Hollywood for decades. In The Raven, director James McTeigue explores Poe's work from the point of view of the author in his final six days of life. Supremely aptly Poe's … [Read more...]
13 Assassins (2010, Japanese) review by That Film Dude
Takashi Miike has a well-deserved reputation as a purveyor of cinematic gore, largely because of Ichi the Killer, and 13 Assassins certainly won't disappoint on that score. While Miike isn't really known for historical works, this film is a pretty clear indication that he knows how to make a great samurai epic. It could do with being a little longer, and the international … [Read more...]
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) review by That Film Guy
High-concept historical fiction has seen a rise in popularity in recent years and from the same company that brought you Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters comes the equally awesomely-titled Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Directed by Wanted and Nightwatch helmsman Timur Bekmambetov, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter tells the story of how … [Read more...]
Red Tails (2012) review by That Film Guy
A labour of love for George Lucas, Red Tails is a film that has been in early production for over two decades. Originally planned for release in 1992, it has seen numerous changes in cast and production team in its long journey to the cinema. Red Tails was entirely financed in production and distribution by George Lucas amid claims that no studio would gamble on an all-black … [Read more...]
The Way Back (2010) review by That Film Dude
As his follow-up to 2003's excellent Master and Commander, Peter Weir made The Way Back, a film based on a supposedly true story about a group of prisoners escaping from a Gulag in Stalin-era Soviet Russia. Their journey takes them through the frozen tundra of Siberia, to Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, and finally over the Himalayas into India. … [Read more...]