Author Archives: Sam S-P
Review: Frank (2014)
FRANK is not even remotely about Mancunian comic character Frank Sidebottom, it just appropriates his iconography to come up with an original story of its own. This might annoy diehard fans of Chris Sievey and his creation, but I’m sure … Continue reading
Review: American Reunion (2012)
The AMERICAN PIE films never really made much of a connection with me, not because they’re especially bad, but because I was the wrong age (a bit young) when they first came out. I’ve watched the original trilogy since, and … Continue reading
Review: The Double (2013)
Surely it goes without saying by now that Richard Ayoade is one talented gent. I loved his feature directing debut SUBMARINE, and THE DOUBLE takes everything that worked in that film and amps it up, refines it, and takes it … Continue reading
A Few Thoughts More: The Amazing Spider-Man 2
I hated THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 when I saw it earlier this year. I wasn’t planning on watching it again, but sometimes a movie you detest just turns up in your house and you’re strangely compelled to put them on. … Continue reading
Review: The Brothers Bloom (2008)
This year, Rian Johnson was announced as the director of STAR WARS EPISODE VIII, which is a truly enticing prospect. He’s a writer-director I’ve only come into contact with over the past couple of years, first through the sharp time … Continue reading
Series Retrospective: Marvel Cinematic Universe
Ten films, six years, and two distinct phases later and Marvel are sitting pretty as kings of the proverbial movie castle. Try and cast yourself back to before Tony Stark strapped on his first scrappy suit of armour to escape … Continue reading
Review: Doctor Who: Deep Breath (2014)
On Christmas Day 2013, Matt Smith regenerated into a very different actor. Arguably no more drastic a change personality-wise than it was from Christopher Eccleston to David Tennant two regenerations ago, but certainly a world apart from youngish David Tennant … Continue reading
“I believe we need heroes, I believe we need certain people who we can measure our own shortcomings by.” (RIP Richard Attenborough)
It’s been a tough month for my childhood. Two weeks ago we lost Robin Williams, and now we must also bid a fond farewell to Lord Richard Attenborough, actor-director extraordinaire, RADA and BAFTA head, and tireless and passionate supporter of … Continue reading
Film Confessional #6: Robin Williams (Morbid Curiosity or Genuine Heartache?)
This is a little different to the usual semi-regular feature I host here on SSP Thinks Film. Usually, I confess to a love or affection, or leap to the defense of a film almost universally derided by critics or audiences. … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 
Top 10 Killer Henchmen (RIP Richard Kiel)
It really has been a tough year to be a film lover. The latest big screen icon to shuffle off his mortal coil is Richard Kiel, who died on Wednesday in hospital aged 74. A man with undeniable presence, Kiel … Continue reading →