Author Archives: Sam S-P
Film Confessional #2: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
I have a confession to make…I like SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE. It’s nowhere near on par with the first two Christopher Reeve movies, but it’s considerably better than SUPERMAN III, and is unfairly seen as the absolute dud … Continue reading
Anti-Pixar Animation
This article was originally written for Subtitled Online September 2012. There are some great alternatives to both the style and content of the products of dominant American animation powerhouse studios like Disney and Pixar, DreamWorks Animation and Blue Sky Studios. Animation as … Continue reading
Review: Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
This review was originally written for Subtitled Online (now sadly closed) July 2010. It was my first full film review to be published online. Environmentalism, war and peace, pride and corruption, coming of age and redemption – it can only … Continue reading
10 Films That Made My Childhood
I was introduced to the world of film at an early age. Something was always on a screen at home in my early years. I was born in 1990, and was first taken to the cinema before I was three years old. My poor parents … Continue reading
Film Confessional #1: Daredevil
The following confession was prompted in part by the news that Ben Affleck has been cast as Batman, and everyone seems (quite unfairly) to be using his previous portrayal of a superhero as a reason why it’s the worst decision … Continue reading
Bat-Bets Are Now Closed!
The wait is over – it was announced today that Ben Affleck will play Batman in Zack Snyder’s BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN (or whatever it ends up being called), and I couldn’t be happier. The reaction to the news was mixed to say … Continue reading
The Son Becomes the Father…
SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT is far more than a slightly different edit of a superhero film sequel. It’s an almost entirely new version of the story that changes fundamental plot points for the benefit of the narrative as a … Continue reading
Best American Films of the 1930s (1)
My list of the best of Hollywood in the 30s. Be sure to check out the rest of the Greatest Films site!
Review: A Field in England (2013)
Ben Wheatley is a talent, there’s no doubt about that. His uncompromising, exciting and undeniably weird directorial style marks him out as one of the most talented and provocative British filmmakers working today. He’s worked in several genres – DOWN TERRACE was … Continue reading
SSP Thinks Film 
Ultron Legal
It was announced earlier that James Spader will play killer robot antagonist Ultron in Joss Whedon’s THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. This is a great choice. Spader is a fine actor well-versed in playing hyper-intelligent characters, and is no stranger … Continue reading →