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

Michael Review

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The story is true and faithful. Musical success is showcased while chronologically highlighting a superstar’s growth over a lifetime. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, this is Michael. For those who love the many songs of Michael Jackson, this is a biopic that is one-of-a-kind. The film is unique in the way the story is approached. So many of the important scenes come from grand and monumental moments in the musical journey of Michael Jackson. His sensational talent keeps audiences enthralled throughout his riveting rise to fame.

Since I grew up with parents who often had Jackson’s music playing, I have long been familiar with his lyrics and catchy beats. What always spoke to me in his music is the importance of having a good heart. That side of his spirit is presented repeatedly in Michael. Overall, there is effective direction in every part of the film. There is never a reason to completely give up in Michael. In Jaafar Jackson’s role as Michael Jackson, he shines with empathy, encouragement, and an active display of faith in reaching his goals.

The film starts during Michael Jackson’s childhood. The younger version of Michael is played by Juliano Valdi. While growing up with his brothers, they lived with a demandingfather, Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo), and a loving mother,Katherine Jackson (Nia Long). Michael quickly emerges as the golden boy destined for fame. But his father’s abuse and intense focus on achieving success in the music business interferes with Michael’s ability to find a positive light in the world of fame. Although fame is within his reach, Michael does not want it in the ways his father has arranged. Therefore, Michael embarks on a journey of emancipation to pave a way to the music he personally created.

Popular well-known songs ranging from Beat It to Billy Jean to Thriller all correlate with dancing moments and visual effects that make the story feel larger than life. There are times, however, when the film drags a bit. But overall, the foundation provided by the music is clear as crystal. The world becomes shinier when Michael hires the manager, John Branca (Miles Teller) which allows Michael to maintain personal ownership. The film focuses on this new realm where the stages glow and audiences continue to rock due to the freedom Michael was experiencing. Michael offers a fascinating inside glimpse at the man and the music the world loves.

The film is dazzling and touching. It effectively explores the inner life of Michael. The pressure he endured from his father and the hardship it caused was the source of much inspiration. The dynamic between Domingo and Long as parents helps to paint a realistic portrait of Michael’s life. The juxtaposition between tough love from his Dad and tender love from his Mom is relatable. These two different kinds of love are reflected in his music which connects with adoring fans around the world. Michael is emotional, but the music uplifts audiences and leaves them feeling inpired. Three out of four stars for Michael.

Film reviews

Lorne Review

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I have always been curious about what makes Saturday Night Live so lively and successful. I am a millennial and remember my parents always enjoying it on those weekend evenings. I even remember falling in love with the many unforgettable skits and sketches. What I did not know though, is that so much of it comes under the control of one man. Lorne is an absolute treasure of a documentary. Directed by Morgan Neville, there is a rich backstory of the world of television and finding an audience—the structure of continual change delightfully fulfilling. Lorne Michaels is the man behind all the angles of Saturday Night Live.

The first question that comes from the film is, “What is funny?” There is frequent portrayal of the serious business side of comedy presented in Lorne. Lorne has been around Saturday Night Live since it all began and the structure of his life is what defines the pattern of how the show runs today. The film brings back tons of nostalgia with a lot of compelling voices. The quote that defines Lorne frequently is that he is, “A creature of habit!” That element is in the weaving elements of this strong and profound documentary that I find truly special.

The level of prestige is what Neville is amazing at capturing. He knows how to grasp what is real about an individual. The narrative set to be so strictly around Lorne is where I found the backstory of Saturday Night Live compelling. Lorne is a film that carries  a prestigious list of contributors to the setting. There are many interviews with Mike Myers, Colin Jost, Jimmy Fallon, Dana Carvey, and more. They mention moments of his routine. Moments where shows have had ups and downs—the realism of what makes Saturday Night Live today feel as present as ever in Lorne.

The fact that Lorne Michaels was a man that was trying to fill a late-night slot is the aspect of what had my mind so driven for more information with Lorne. I was thinking so much about how audiences were more in tune in the era before personal computers and cell phones– in a time frame where television was just making the rounds. The “creature of habit” tones keepstreaming through the attitude of Lorne. Audiences will see his patterns, his moments, and his personality.

As the documentary continues to capture interviews from current and former members, audiences get a better idea of why Saturday Night Live continually evolves. The landscape of reality is surreal in Lorne. The fact that sacrifices and unfairness are all part of the game in the business side of creating an entertaining show comes through in the narrative. With the show’s colorful writing more context continues to unfold in the evolution of Lorne and the series himself. There is just a humanistic aspect that feels special to me.

It is mesmerizing, breathtaking, and historic. Lorne is a reminder of what talent can bring to the table when there are the many dynamics of show business and the right-thinking process involved. This gem has a flow of continuity to recreate a time and era of comic gold. Former cast member Tina Fey states, “You have to find a lunatic writer and put up with them!” Astatement saying it all– that tolerance of talent can be rewarding. Four out of four stars for Lorne.

CinemaCon 2026, Film reviews, Warner Bros

Warner Bros. Presentation-CinemaCon 2026-Movies with Tarek

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On April 14, Dan Fonseca opened the presentation. He is the Executive Director, Technical Services of Santikos Entertainment.

Patton Oswalt ran the event. He mentioned that he saw 117 films in a cinema, and he continued to inspire with his appreciation ofcinema and comedy. His first job was at the cinema in 1986. Hetalked a lot about the many moving parts during his days working at and going to the movies. He also elaborated on how Cable TV and Blockbuster began to change the game of going to cinemas.

The CEOs of Warner Bros were Pamela Abdy and Mike De Luca. They mentioned how audiences helped their studio accelerate and reach 4 billion dollars in 2025. They recently started a new label called Warner Bros Clockwork.

Jeff Goldstein is the President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros Pictures. He came to the stage and talked about the question of revenue. He also mentioned audiences finding, “The gold standard,” which is defined by how audiences connect.

The event continued with a virtual discussion of a special video by Jack Black promoting his fun sense of humor. M. Night Shyamalan did a special video as well. Sam Esmail did one too, and many of them provided much gratitude. Tom Cruise and Alejandro G. Innaritu came to the stage to promote their newest feature Digger. I loved it when Cruise and Oswalt recalled that they were in Magnolia together.

There were many panels, but the first look at Mortal Kombat II spoke to me the most. I appreciate that a continued storyline based on a foundational approach is in the works. There were many highlights of box office records and genres presented, but Mortal Kombat II was the most rewarding and visual moment. It will rock the start of the summer with its release in May.