Category Archives: Film Feature
The (Very Very Belated) Worst Films of 2013 List
I tend to be pretty selective in the films I choose to watch. I’m not one of those guys who has to see absolutely everything, and would probably never pay to see something that’s been universally panned on release. Yeah … Continue reading
Penny Dreadful’s Frankenstein: Faithful and Thoughtful
The following article contains spoilers for Episodes 1 and 2 of Showtime’s new television series PENNY DREADFUL, and for a 196-year-old novel. I’ll admit I’m a sucker for slightly trashy pseudo-historical romps on TV – THE TUDORS, DRACULA and now … Continue reading
Superhero Movies Before They Were Cool
Once upon a time, superhero movies were not the norm. They didn’t dominate. They certainly weren’t the most popular and profitable film genre on the planet. Hollywood had had dalliances with comic book adaptations, for sure – Christopher Reeve’s SUPERMAN … Continue reading
Is it Wrong to Have it in for a Movie?
It’s always a tough one to discuss, the subject of critical objectivity. In an ideal world every film critic, every viewer even, would be completely objective when watching a film. But alas, there are always external forces working against us, … Continue reading
My Favourite…Superhero Movie
My favourite superhero movie is X-MEN 2. It’s a bit of a tired analogy to use concerning a sequel, but it really is the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK of comic book films in that it’s bleaker (though still with welcome light … Continue reading
Top 4: Guillermo del Toro
A mine of originality and a committed visualist, Guillermo del Toro is one of the most talented and distinctive filmmakers working today. His career has spanned over two decades so far, and he’d surely been even more prolific were it … Continue reading
Film Confessional #5: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
I have a confession to make…I like GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE. No, it’s not up there with the best superhero movies by any means, but it’s certainly one of the most visually interesting ones, and has the welcome addition of … Continue reading
Greatest Oscar Injustices 2004-2013
The selection of the Academy Awards is an unfair, flawed system. Everyone knows that. Not long to go now before this year’s awards, so here’s my pick of the biggest mistakes the Academy made over the last decade, and the … Continue reading
Top 3: Song Kang-ho
This article was originally published on Subtitled Online November 2012. A favourite of Park Chan-wook, having appeared in four of his films, and of Bong Joon-ho, having starred in two of his films – with one more (Bong’s English-language debut) … Continue reading
The Obligatory End of the Year Top 10 (2013)
2013 has been a bit of a downbeat year for the film world, as we’ve lost a depressing number of talented individuals before their time – Roger Ebert, Richard Griffiths, James Gandolfini, Karen Black, Paul Walker. Peter O’Toole and Ray Harryhausen passed … Continue reading