All posts by Tarek Fayoumi…The Paterson of his Craft!

I am someone who strives to become a professional critic. I watch and review many movies. I view the eyes of movies as something as an art form. I have followed many critics over the years, but once I was thirteen I knew writing film reviews was going to be my passion. I learned from watching multiple episodes of Ebert And Roeper in my teen years, and then in middle school I began writing film reviews for a newspaper club. I am also an avid fan of the arts of Chicago including Theatre, Comedy, and music. Films, however, are my primary focus.
Film reviews

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Review

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If I had to define the experience of watching Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, I would share that the film provides a lot to think about. The various moving parts from the Netflix series still boil down to greed and power. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is the monumental conclusion. Written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, the series takes audiences on one final mission that will change Peaky Blinders forever. The UK scene is the perfect setting for politics and corruption to combine for a final countdown.

The film is set after the many events of the previous season of Peaky Blinders. The series came to an end in 2022. After thelosses and tragedies—solitude has been the answer for its main character. Cillian Murphy is still Tommy Shelby but has left the world of crime after the events of the final season. Barry Keoghan is Duke Shelby, the son of Tommy. Tommy is in solitude grieving during World War II. Duke has taken over as the crime boss and is involved in many risky scenarios,especially when it comes to handling money and taking on illegal tasks. Duke may be suited for the world of crime, but does he have the same knowledge as his father?

The riveting aspects of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Manrevolve around the foundation of the gang finding itself again.The characterizations are spellbinding. Murphy and Keoghan portray the dark side of harsh leadership in this cinematic comeback. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man brings together a team for a critical mission. From the wrecked streets of Birmingham, the Shelby clan put their skills to the test. Stephen Graham is Hayden Stagg who comes around to assist with the plan to make tons of money by capitalizing on shipping crates, gunpowder, and explosives. Tim Roth plays the enemy, John Beckett, who has done deals and deeds with Duke. However, his trust is questionable.

The route of finding leadership in Peaky Blinders is a tunnel that goes into a landscape of spiraling emotions. The evil days of Tommy will never be behind them. So instead of dismissing them, he must embrace the dangers one more time. That is because he must make sure his son can carry on making the risky choices he once had to make. The Birmingham scene is in chaos, but the control of it lies with Tommy and Duke.

A portrait of vivid flashbacks rises back and forth as the movie progresses. So much of the final season plays a key role in the dramatic elements of this film. It is especially ironic whenTommy spends time solo and behaves as if crime is not his scene anymore. Yet, the ghosts in his mind encourage him. Murphy’s performance will create empathy and hope for those who truly adore Peaky Blinders. The emotions are extra vivid this time around, and the gang scenes have the British class that delivers a knockout. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Film reviews

Youngblood Review

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It has been many wondrous months of hockey earning attention from both the Olympics and the HBO series Heated Rivalry. Now Youngblood comes to the scene. It is a film where the competitive nature of hockey is still portrayed, but brings its viewers into the early stages of  trying to make it to the pros.  The film relies a lot on hockey conflicts and players being tough guys, yet it still is written to encourage teamwork and empathy. It also depicts an underdog story that is irresistible. Directed by Hubert Davis, Youngblood is film where one rookie star hockey player has a chance to make a name for himself. The presentation is enthralling with some moments being a bit of a blur, but mostly with positive energy continuously moving forward.

The film’s main character is Dean Youngblood (Asthon James), a young man who grows up playing hockey with the support of his father Blane Youngblood (Blair Underwood). His father always encourages him to have an attitude on the ice. For Dean though this presents a challenge.  His attitude as a player always has him facing penalties–mostly for fighting and always trying to be the bigger personality. He could be a truly great player by focusing on utilizing his skills in the game, but he finds himself in probation repeatedly.

The screenplay creates a pattern where failure keeps showing up on the books for Dean. It leads to conflicts with his father. The repetition is in how much love and hate go back and forth and it sells the story. Dean finds himself with an opportunity to playwith the Hamilton Mustangs in Detroit. The coach is Murray Chadwick (Shawn Doyle). Murray sees a sense of talent in Dean; however, Dean’s anger is still an issue. The power sought in being the best in a sport encompasses a lot of angles involving politics, pride, respect and fame—that is what motivates the players in Youngblood.

As one who finds inspiration from films focused on challenging behaviors, I enjoyed the concept of one trying to overcome anger. I felt that was what the story relied upon to build the many conflicts presented in the film. It has some common ground though with the team striving to be the best, but also it made parts of the film feel dull. This was primarily because I found myself thinking I want to see Dean continue to succeed and not just keep falling apart and getting second chances. I wanted to believe he was better than that. Relying upon blame is predictable for the film’s conflict in Youngblood. I will say though, the inspiring side is when Dean falls in love with a girl, Jessie Chadwick (Alexandra McDonald). She is the coach’s daughter, and also struggles with sport herself. The constant concept of feeling accepted and being the best has a portrait of correlations for young players. Three out of four stars.

 

 

Film reviews

Local Area Network Review

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In a film centering around mental health and the importance of community, Local Area Network scores a touchdown. Written and directed by Glenn Garrabrant, the story takes a deep dive into the life of a man working through the steps while battling with his mental health. Although rejection is always on his mind, he has a friend who will not give up on him. Local Area Network tackles the tough subjects of suicide and depression. The film reminds its audiences to remember what good there is in the world…even in times when it is not seen. Life is not easy, but the positive elements are a reminder of opportunities for growth in Local Area Network.

This film spoke to me on a personal level. As a critic and someone who has dealt with my own struggles, I find light in projects tackling mental health. I relate to shows like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and the HBO series In Treatment. Local Area Network repeatedly reminded me that having the people in our lives we trust helps people who are feeling down hold their heads high. Local Area Network is an independent film that focuses on this important issue in the most touching yet dramatic way possible. The context is engrossing. Garrabrant has an eye for creating connections that will change lives.

The film’s main character is Sam (Jeff A. Smith), and he is trying to help his friend Paul (Michael Farca) recover from the heartbreaking moments he has encountered. Paul finds himself in and out of a mental institution following conflicts with his ex-wife. Sam puts together activities to help Paul come out of his shell. He sets up old-school gaming in basements, creates other social outings, and does what he can to truly help Paul find meaning again. Despite the work Sam puts in, Paul is also good at hiding his feelings. There are moments which blindside due to the more difficult elements of dealing with mental health concerns. This is what makes the journey in Local Area Networkso spellbinding. For Sam, his life includes people who want him to have fulfillment, and they also want to be around whenever they question how he is feeling. Social settings without screens highlight human interactions and are most fulfilling.

I have admiration for Garrabrant’s directing approach. He creates the atmospheres and settings which feel touching. At the same time, he is good at keeping the possibility of relapses in the picture although his characterizations are determined to not let that happen. The hero of a good friendship is what dazzles and stirs emotions in Local Area Network. With the film being shot around different areas of Chicago, I recognized and related to many of the settings because I enjoy getting out to cultural places. The atmosphere of Local Area Network made me feel closer to home. This film is a cinematic ride where trial and error reminds audiences they can get back up from falling. The message of the story is to not give up. Viewers will come away inspired to look for help when in doubt. Four out four stars for Local Area Network.