Rob Reiner – cinemescope

100 Word Review – Misery (1990)

August 25, 2015April 15, 2016Posted in 100 Words..., Drama, ThrillerTagged Drama, James Caan, Kathy Bates, Oscars, Rob Reiner, Stephen King, Thriller, William Goldman1 Comment

Kathy Bates is extraordinary in this film.

Acclaimed writer Paul Sheldon (James Caan), whose car comes off the road on an isolated highway, is rescued by Annie Wilkes (Bates), his biggest fan.

A wonderful, terrifying thriller about the power of fame and idolisation.

I’ve never been more scared of anyone than I am of Bates in this film. She won an Oscar for her performance. Adapted by William Goldman (The Princess Bride, Marathon Man) from Stephen King’s novel and directed by Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap), it’s a story constructed by master storytellers, delivered with perfection.

100 Word Review – This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

April 18, 2015March 6, 2016Posted in 100 Words..., ComedyTagged Christopher Guest, Comedy, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, mocumentary, Musical, Rob Reiner, Spinal Tap1 Comment

If you have never seen a mockumentary, this is where to start.

Director Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) tries to capture the “sights, the sounds … the smells of a hard-working rock band”, Spinal Tap (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer). But this “legendary” British band turns out to not be quite so sort-after on their American comeback tour …

What follows is simply brilliant. When this film first came out many rock bands were convinced it was based on them. That’s how clever it is.

Once you’ve seen it, watch with the commentary which is Tap in character 25 years on. Priceless.