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

Moana Review

Leave a comment

I enjoyed both animated versions of Moana (2016) and Moana II (2024). Unfortunately, this live version was just average. There was plenty of positivity surrounding the many wonders of the sea and the Hawaiian setting as well as lots of music, laughs, and adventures. It is not terrible, but cheesy enough to shred. The magical charms are good in parts, but the storyline goes off in too many imaginary directions. Directed by Thomas Kail, this is Moana. The voyager vibes are joyful, and so are the characters, but it wasn’t enough to make this film soar. 

For Disney, however, it is what I expected. The movie has over-the-top moments to inspire viewers of all ages. The music and the songs are top-notch. Most of the film’s glory comes from the vocal performance of Catherine Laga’ala in her role as Moana. Thanks to the music, the storyline about fulfilling one’s destiny by overcoming hurdles is fun.  Dwayne Johnson plays Maui, and also did the voice of this character in the animated versions. When Johnson is in the picture, there are bound to be moments of quirky, yet satirical humor. He displays that bad yet sappy attitude as one of the main characters. 

Moana dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by saving her island and making it return to its voyager setting. However, this requires her to go to the sea and find Maui. The dynamics between Laga’ala and Johnson is where this film shines. Behind them are CGI-generated sea monsters. The village where Moana comes from lacks the resources, and she is on a mission to change that. The film feels like an oceanography journey with lighting that highlights the beauty of the water.  Sadly, much of the film struggled to sell me. The film needed more magical components. I respect Disney’s style of movie-making, but I would have rather had more layers of seriousness and suspense in addition to more conflict added to the fantasy.

I did enjoy the film credits with their wonderful quotes. One quote, “Restore the heart,” means there is happiness that comes with growth. Another quote that speaks to me is, “No one goes beyond the reef,” which means that breaking the rules comes with some entertainment. Moana  “goes beyond the reef,” but her adventures just felt mediocre.

In the end, the movie was joyful and nice for families. I just wish that the magic in the waters and the writing had a few more components to make the final cut stronger. I give this version of Moana two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Young Washington Review

Leave a comment

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to see the many first glimpses of Young Washington at CinemaCon back in April.Also, I was able to hear a few words from the lead William Franklyn-Miller—his performance in Young Washington soars with wonders. I had a feeling I was going to be sold on the full version of Young Washington, and I definitely was. This story of a rising leader presents many historic aspects. Simply spellbinding is how I define Young Washington.

 

The film is solid as it begins with George Washington and his journey taking on responsibilities of the many territories surrounding the different colonies. With much political sophistication, there is also a sense of surreal wonders. His mother, Mary Washington, is played by Mary-Louise Parker. The life of George is one that is unsettling, but redemption abounds. The era of the mid and late 1700s plays out in politics and the landscape of George’s growth.

 

Although the film lacks in some of its historic value, there is resilience and spectacle in the acting and the cinematography. Also, the dynamics of history and leadership are well played. The battles for the lands and the colonies are where Franklyn-Miller possesses the perfect attitude to play George Washington. As the film progresses, he speaks with Lord Fairfax, played byKelsey Grammer, as he owns much of the land. George finds inspiration from his half-brother Lawrence Washington, played by John Foss. Authority though, is where George struggles. He seeks to change the world, but he must fight hard for that leadership role.

 

The characterization around authority and equality all rumble in Young Washington. I found great inspiration, especially with the background story of Washington himself. His sidekick is Christopher Gist (Leo Hanna), and George takes many of his orders from Robert Dinwiddie (Ben Kingsley). Once George is on the frontlines in war, the film becomes a power boxing match between George and Robert, showing that political order may not always be the answer. With George viewed as the rookie, the film resorts to presenting his hero side much more.

 

The storyline and the performance of Franklyn-Miller compelled me, but my issue was that so much of the authority and leadership over George took over much of the writing. It focused a lot on making him look like he was someone who would never advance. Overall, the history of it all has blurred moments, but at the same time, spectacle exists with Young Washington.

 

The concept of values and the action of warfare make Young Washington appealing. There is a sense that it can find its following and find a way to be entertaining on the big screen. History with added warfare and early stages of one rising had me sold the most. This was not totally my favorite, but just above par. It is one of those films where my star rating falls at-two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Succubus Review

Leave a comment

Bizarre with some spicy wonders. Audiences may feel like they need a break from screen-time after watching Succubus. Getting sucked in to feel connected comes with consequences that are out of this world in this film written and directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna. It is a surreal thriller where imagination delivers more than meets the eyes. Disconnect and reality combine for one crazy void in Succubus.

The main character is Chris (Brendan Bradley). Chris is going through a break-up with his soon-to-be ex Sharon (Olivia Grace Applegate). He wastes time trying to stay occupied, primarily by spending it on the screen using various apps. His mother is Denise (Rosanna Arquette), and she shows some level of concern. Chris is determined not to be lonely. That all changes when he begins online dating and meets a lady named Adra (Rachel Cook). She is a bit shady, but Chris falls in love with her electronically. 

The film feels like screen-time about screen-time. Reality turns into an interesting nightmare showcased in a daring light. Once Chris starts chatting with Adra his world turns upside-down.  His technology becomes compromised and he is not thinking clearly. The moving parts of anxiety and despair caused by drastic choices are well written in Succubus. Chris tells a friend, “I wanna want it,” and that statement reveals that there is a form of Satan in every corner of Succubus. 

The film begins to shift to an eerie place when a man named Orion (Ron Perlman) comes into the picture. He has supposedly studied social science and online behavior. He can sense that Chris may have put himself in a compromising situation. Chris, however, has his hands tied, and is at risk with Adra. It is also unclear if Orion can be trusted. The complex obstacles of online databases, and firewalls lead to a confusing trail that is portrayed in a genius way. 

This film is a reminder to be cautious about getting hooked on technology. The risks and mental toll are highlighted vividly in Succubus. Screen-time can be an invitation to play with the devil.  Succubus soars due to poor choices which result in serious anxiety.

The film transports audiences to a new world once Chris goes deep with Adra. Love at first sight takes viewers on a journey into a negative, scary place. Chris’s reality in Succubus is bizarrely surreal. Hanna’s creative mind is one for ages. This is a psychosexual thriller with many intriguing tabs and firewalls. The film is very suspenseful, while reminding viewers to use their judgment when communicating with strangers online. I’m scared to ever consider any form of online dating after watching Succubus. This film is daring and mind-boggling. Although eerie and silly in moments, it’s solid overall. Three out of four stars.