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...]
The Sessions (2012) review by That Art House Guy
A festival hit, winning the Audience award at the 2012 Sundance Festival, and tipped for Oscar nominations, The Sessions is the latest film from director Ben Lewin. The opening scenes suggest that this is typically award-friendly material. Based on a true story, The Sessions' main character is Mark O'Brien (John Hawkes), a poet and journalist, who is paralysed from the neck … [Read more...]
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) review by That Art House Guy
Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) is a man with problems. He has just been released from an institution, where he has spent eight months after beating the man who was sleeping with his wife half to death. He has been diagnosed with severe bi-polar disorder and his wedding song is a major trigger causing out of control episodes. Back home, he has move in with his parents and … [Read more...]
Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Writing can sometimes be a thankless task. Some people will love what you write, others will hate it and the majority won't care. But those who like to write do so for a variety of reasons; to become famous, to be liked or simply to express themselves in a way that they find difficult in 'real life.' Whatever the reasons for writing, there are endless possibilities that lay … [Read more...]
To Rome with Love (2012) by That Art House Guy
With To Rome With Love, Woody Allen continues his grand tour of European cities, following in the footsteps of Match Point (London), Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Midnight in Paris. He also appears in front of the camera for the first time in over five years, casting himself against type as an Italian lothario (just kidding “ in a shock twist he plays a neurotic New York Jew). … [Read more...]
Now is Good (2012) review by That Film Brat
A film sometimes comes along that you are biased against when going in. You are expecting rubbish. You roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath, and walk in the cinema prepared for the mess you are convinced you're about to witness. A lot of the time, these fears turn out to be true, due to the fact that your brain is actively looking for things to dislike about the film. You … [Read more...]
Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=B00A6HL7S6][/pullquote] The wait for Twilight-fans is over and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 finally closes the book on the narrative of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). The Twilight film series has enjoyed massive box … [Read more...]
Rock of Ages (2012) review by That Film Guy
From the opening scene where a bus full of people start singing along to a medley of Sister Christian's hit 'Night Ranger' and David Lee Roth's 'Just Like Paradise' the audience know they're in for something a little different. Based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, Rock of Ages tells the story of an Oklahoma girl, Sherrie (Julianne Hough) who travels to Los … [Read more...]
Review: The Room (2003)
[pullquote cite="" type="left, right"][amazon text=Amazon&template=carousel&chan=that film guy&asin=1451661193][/pullquote] In the race to find the worst film of all time, this is a real contender. Terrible acting, no plot, awkward dialogue “ The Room has them all in abundance. The first thing to note is that, having just watched this film, I still have no idea what … [Read more...]
Review: The Lucky One (2012)
Its 2012 and Zac Efron is older and wiser. Now trying to leave the horrific High School Musical persona in the past, his eyes are on the future. The Lucky One is the key to showing any doubters, myself included, that he is far more capable of producing a worthy feature film than previously thought. Apologies Mr. Efron I retract all negative comments from the past couple of … [Read more...]