It's a talky, narrowly focused piece that feels like an after-dinner anecdote presented with the full ceremony of a formal meal.
Comment
09/10/08
Dean Spanley (2008)
85
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:26
Fresh:22
Rotten:4
Average Rating:6.5/10
Consensus: Offbeat, whimsical, period-set shaggy dog story with daffy performances from Sam Neill and Peter O’Toole.
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:Nov 30, 1999 Wide
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, Brian Brown
Director: Toa Fraser
Reviews for Dean Spanley
Top CriticI 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.
12/12/08
A dull and thoroughly stilly British drama based on the idea of canine reincarnation.
10/10/08
Top CriticIn Dean Spanley Peter O’Toole, luminous of eye and loopy of intonation, acts as if he should be locked up. You have to admire the cut of his lunacy. He brings what little style there is to this winsome tale adapted from Lord Dunsany.
12/12/08
Fisk’s cantankerous father, played with biting wit by Peter O’Toole, is sceptical about reincarnation. Many will be tempted to agree with him, but for The Sneak this is a wonderful shaggy dog story.
12/12/08
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
02/27/09
A redemptive arc leashes the threads together, hinged on insights into familial repression that are a tad too costumedrama-stifled for their own good.
12/12/08
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.
12/12/08
The only drawback to its fey shaggy-dog story is the ponderous pace. But Northam and Neill are both on good form.
12/12/08
I don't know of any film quite like Dean Spanley, and I mean that as a compliment. It will stay with me long after 99 per cent of this year's films have been forgotten.
12/12/08
A charming, unique film, well crafted and boasting some great performances, notably from the spry Peter O'Toole.
12/12/08
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.
12/12/08
...the final reel packs far more of an emotional wallop that one could've possibly anticipated (it's just too bad about that first hour, however).
09/07/08
This is really a shaggy dog story that takes too long to start barking. But when it does, it works a treat. It’s amazing how much you can forgive if the last part of a movie is right, and this one covers itself in something like glory in the nick of time.
12/12/08
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.
12/12/08
I loved it.
03/06/09
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
02/27/09
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.
03/06/09
Truly original and very moving, with a hypnotic and elliptical quality all its own.
03/06/09
Hugely enjoyable comedy-drama with a delightfully witty, off-the-wall script and a terrific performance from Sam Neill.
12/12/08
Latest News for Dean Spanley
January 29, 2008:
Exclusive: RT Visits the Set of Dean Spanley
We take a trip to Holkam Hall in Norfolk, England to talk the transmigration of souls with Peter O'Toole and Sam Neill. More...
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