There have been a lot of films which focus on a teacher/student dynamic, with the brilliant, inspiring teacher doing everything they can to help bring out the hidden potential in their young proteges. Movies like Dead Poets Society and The History Boys tend to focus on unconventional, eccentric teachers who don't stick to the established curriculum and inspire affection and … [Read more...]
Review: Get On Up (2014)
We've all seen plenty of music biopics, so we know how this sort of thing usually goes. There's the rags-to-riches story, the success, fame and riches, inevitably followed by substance abuse and clashing egos driving wedges between the members of the band. Get On Up is, fortunately, just as aware of these cliches as we are, and works very hard to present them in a way we … [Read more...]
Review: 20,000 Days on Earth (2014)
A Portrait of the Artist [pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00K8GL8G6][/pullquote] Nick Cave has been making brilliant, compelling music for more than 30 years, from explosive post punk blues with the Birthday Party to his extensive body of work with the Bad Seeds. … [Read more...]
Review: 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00KH6JMI8][/pullquote] 20 Feet From Stardom tells the story of the oft-forgotten backing singers who have played an integral part in many of the greatest hits of all time and who still tirelessly support the headliner in both the studio and on tour from a stone's … [Read more...]