Dean Spanley (My Talks with Dean Spanley) (2008)

Critic Reviews

• Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter

  A dull and thoroughly stilly British drama based on the idea of canine reincarnation.

• Dennis Harvey, Variety

  It's a talky, narrowly focused piece that feels like an after-dinner anecdote presented with the full ceremony of a formal meal.

• Mike Edwards, What Culture

  A witty and watchable period drama, but in danger of being remembered more for its service to O'Toole than for the impression it leaves on audiences.

• Simon Weaving, Screenwize

  A delightful period piece about reincarnation, friendship and dogs with a wonderful collection of performances from its four main characters.

• Julie Rigg, MovieTime, ABC Radio National

  I loved it.

• Mark Demetrius, FILMINK (Australia)

  Truly original and very moving, with a hypnotic and elliptical quality all its own.

• Philippa Hawker, The Age (Australia)

  Fraser and Sharp have structured the film, and the cast interpret it, so that comedy and poignancy are intertwined to the last; even as all is revealed, a sense of wonder remains.

• Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia)

  This whimsical tale, based on a short story by Lord Dunsany, has moving undercurrents of loss and grief and in underplaying his role, Peter O'Toole brings a beautiful sense of reconciliation to his character.

• Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile

  Toa Fraser's sensitive direction of this deceptively challenging and surprisingly satisfying film, keeps the tone perfectly balanced in the manner of perhaps an eccentric English tale with dashes of humour and pathos

• Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

  A wondrous story about cats and dogs, fathers and sons and the elusive bottle of Hungarian Imperial Tokay that brings them all together, Dean Spanley is a rather special

• David Edwards, Daily Mirror [UK]

  The word offbeat doesnt quite cover it and its a touchslow to begin with but, really, if you dont fancy having your soul crushed byKeanu and co, do check this one out. Funny, warm and sensitive,its got gem written all over it.

• Anna Smith, Empire Magazine

  Wilfully whimsical and determinedly eccentric, this faintly bonkers period tale won't be for everyone. But if you fall for Dean Spanley, you'll fall hard.

• Wally Hammond, Time Out

  This nicely acted drama, in quietly intimating the quirky familial relations and peculiar fascinations of the era - not least with the transmigration of souls, mysticism and the supernatural - delivers a highly pleasurable if modest experience.

• Daniel Etherington, Film4

  A charming, unique film, well crafted and boasting some great performances, notably from the spry Peter O'Toole.

• James Christopher, Times [UK]

  I can't see too many children taking advantage of the U certificate. The measured performances look stiff and theatrical. A stifling fable with the rhythm of a grandfather clock.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  This is a charming and eccentric little family comedy for the older generation. It's like a Werther's Original sweet that's for grandpa only.

• Tim Robey, Daily Mail [UK]

  Dean Spanley, adapted from a shaggy-dog tale by Lord Dunsany, is a decidedly odd business, a rummage in mothballed obscurantism for its own sake.

• Elliott Noble, Sky Movies

  While Neill gives a masterclass in subtle eccentricity and Northam and Brown happily play second string, the theatricals are wisely left to legendary virtuoso O'Toole.

• Andy Lowe, Total Film

  A redemptive arc leashes the threads together, hinged on insights into familial repression that are a tad too costumedrama-stifled for their own good.

Read all 19 critic reviews