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.
Comment
12/12/08
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.
Rated: U
Genre: Comedies
Theatrical Release:12-12-2008
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, Brian Brown
Director: Toa Fraser
Reviews for Dean Spanley
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
Top CriticThe 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
Top CriticThe 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
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 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
Top CriticHugely enjoyable comedy-drama with a delightfully witty, off-the-wall script and a terrific performance from Sam Neill.
12/12/08
In 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
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.
12/12/08
Top CriticDean Spanley, adapted from a shaggy-dog tale by Lord Dunsany, is a decidedly odd business, a rummage in mothballed obscurantism for its own sake.
12/12/08
Elegantly played, wittily delivered, lost at Christmas.
12/11/08
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.
12/12/08
Top CriticToa 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
...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
It's a talky, narrowly focused piece that feels like an after-dinner anecdote presented with the full ceremony of a formal meal.
09/10/08
Top CriticI loved it.
03/06/09
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...
More Movies
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
RT on YouTube 
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
RT on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds