Ray Liotta

News, Reviews & Features
  • Review: Hubie Halloween is a sorry excuse for a film, but don't expect an apology

    Movie Review | Luke Whiston | 12th October 2020

    It was cruel, really - to give us a glimpse of an oft-quoted character from Adam Sandler's greatest creation, Happy Gilmore, and then to undo any hint a comedy of that calibre would be in store mere seconds later when the funny voices and scat humour kicked in. And this is a film obsessed with scat: farts, poo, piss, it's got it all. Which is apt, because I've never seen anything go to shit as quickly as Hubie Halloween.

  • Review: Marriage Story battles for the high ground but risks sanctimony

    Movie Review | Luke Whiston | 31st December 2019

    Relationships are weird. You come to them as a pair of individuals, both trying to find common threads while maintaining individuality. Then you move in together and over time adjust to each other's idiosyncrasies, forming new habits based on a shared life, until one day you realise you're a completely different person. Later if you decide to wave goodbye to sleep for about fifteen years by having children it adds an adorable layer of walking on eggshells to proceedings. The only way to really make it work is to be totally open about your thoughts and feelings - keeping secrets is just asking for trouble - so if/when things fall apart and you're held to account for your part in the failure you get to gloat over that deceitful snake (just kidding, honey - L for Love!).

  • Muppets Most Wanted

    Movie Review | Rob Young | 25th March 2014

    As the jovial opening number points out, the Muppets are back, by popular demand. Because that's what they do in Hollywood, even if everybody knows the sequel's never quite as good. Nevertheless, the studio considers them a viable franchise. The tune, happily poking fun at Hollywood's fascination with sequels, is just one of the many self-depreciating, self-aware gags that litter this sequel.

  • The Place Beyond The Pines

    Movie Review | Neil | 8th April 2013

    One of the conditions of me joining The Shiznit after closing down my own unbelievably popular and hilarious film blog was that I would become the site's Gosling Correspondent: any and all Ryan Goslingness would have to pass through me before it made it onto the internet. The rest of the team made a bit of a fuss, but when I took my shirt off to reveal my full chest tattoo of Ryan's face, they soon agreed to all my demands. Turns out I didn't need to take my trousers and pants off as well, but still, in for a penny, in for a pound.

  • How the new poster for Killing Them Softly was made

    Movie Feature | Ali | 5th September 2012

    The lovely new poster for Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly (formerly Cogan's Trade) has arrived: very atmospheric it is, too. Thanks to my inside source - I shall call him only Mr Photoshop - I can exclusively reveal how it was made. The results may dazzle you.

  • Films on TV round-up: families of all kinds

    TV Feature | Kirsty Harrison | 25th September 2011

    Another week, another selection of X-Men related movies on ITV2. Thankfully, there are other channels and many, many other films to watch. I haven't got a lot of time to waste talking about them, as Ryan Reynolds' M&S adverts aren't going to watch themselves. So let's go, chop chop!

  • The Death And Life Of Charlie St. Cloud

    Movie Review | Rob | 10th October 2010

    In order to enjoy the fantasy-friendly Charlie St. Cloud, you need to have either a soft spot for spiritually romantic movies, be open minded about the afterlife, be a twelve year-old girl obsessed with Zac Efron, or be easily impressed by stunning landscapes and peaceful coastal towns. Unfortunately, I'm a sucker for a striking seaside backdrop - and films that kinda reminds me of Field Of Dreams.

  • Date Night

    Movie Review | Ali | 25th April 2010

    Date Night is one of those movies you really try to get behind and really wish you liked more, but ultimately have to admit it's just... not that great. The reasons for wanting to fly its flag are obvious: Steve Carell and Tina Fey are two of the funniest people on TV, and it's natural to want to see them succeed on the big screen.

  • Observe And Report

    Movie Review | Rob | 3rd May 2009

    Another month, another mall cop comedy. Or is it? The trailer does show current King of Comedy Seth Rogen sporting his shortest haircut ever, lusting over Anna Faris and kicking seven shades of shit out of pesky skateboarding yobs in quite the comical fashion. But look a little closer and Observe And Report is a disturbing study...

  • Smokin' Aces

    Movie Review | Ali | 14th January 2007

    If you like to gamble, I tell you I'm your man / You win some, lose some, it's all the same to me / The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say / I don't share your greed, the only card I need is The Ace Of Spades, The Ace Of Spades Dialogue? Who the fuck needs dialogue? The original teaser trailer for Joe Ca...