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

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget Review

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I was much younger get when the first Chicken Run film opened in the summer of 2000, but that film made me realize how enthralling stop motion animation can be. Twenty-three years later Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget still made me gasp and jump out of my seat numerous times. The legacy of the franchise holds true in its faithful brilliance to the brand and the invigoration of its animation technology. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a family film for both children and adults, and it has joyfulness that flows throughout the film.

The plot of the film begins on an island. Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) is back with Rocky (voiced by Zachary Levi). Ginger and Rocky have a daughter, Molly (voiced by Bella Ramsey). The other fun chickens are back ranging from Bunty (voiced by Imelda Staunton) and Mac (voiced by Lynn Ferguson), to Ferguson (voiced by David Bradley). The chickens have escaped the Chicken farm that was run by the wretched Mrs. Tweedy (voiced by Miranda Richardson) and have made a home for themselves many miles away from the farm. But Molly has her parents’ adventure gene, and the troubles return. Molly escapes the island and finds herself on a new type of chicken farm—one with huge high-tech air fryers! Ginger and Rocky must do what they can to save Molly, but the worst part is that Mrs. Tweedy is back and the War of the Chickens versus Mrs. Tweedy is on for a second time. Fortunately, the chickens are smarter than they previously were when Mrs. Tweedy tormented them for ages. But have they learned enough to make it out alive?

I love animations that have a semi-serious premise but know how to keep the funniness in tune. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget has that in spades. The creators know how to portray danger that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat while also keeping them rolling in the aisles with laughter. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget stands to bring the success of the franchise to new heights in this long-awaited sequel. Despite the long time between films, the writing of this film is faithful to the brand and the world they created is evolving of many wonders.

So finally, after far too long, the classy animation returns … and it makes for a rollicking fun time. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is a journey where the impossible becomes possible. The chickens are even more savvy than before, making the film suspenseful, enthralling, and filled with laughter for all ages. Mrs. Tweedy still has her evil side, but it doesn’t prevail because although she’s still a psycho, she’s an absent-minded psycho. So twenty-three years after the first film, the chickens continue to be heroes. Three out of four stars for Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

Film reviews

The Color Purple Review

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The Color Purple opens with the poetic themes of love, friendship, and encouragement—all of which will go through ages of neglect and abuse. There is a saying in the outset of the film, “Good Lord works in mysterious ways,” and it seems to ring true in The Color Purple. Faith, passion, and empathy remain important motifs as the film follows the story of a loving and lasting friendship. The Color Purple is joyful, but not as solid as the original from 1985. This one goes for a more blockbuster approach, but the music and story still soar in many moments.

The film takes place in the early 1900s in Atlanta, Georgia. The two main characters are Celie (played by Fantasia Barrino) and Nettie (played by Ciara). The true story is seen in the younger characters that play both women. Young Celie is played by Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, and Young Nettie is played by Halle Bailey. A friendship torn apart in an era of slavery. Celie spends her life with Mister (played by Colman Domingo). He is a harsh landowner that beats and neglects her for many years of her life. Celie’s happiness is always found around her friend; however, Nettie ends up leaving the picture because Mister scares her away. The film effectively uses musical inspiration to enhance its many characters, settings and situations.

Hard moments transition to songs—the steppingstones of a touching masterpiece. The film’s songs display a message of staying strong, especially for Celie. Relationships of abuse negate Celie’s purpose and inspiration to find Nettie, yet Nettie remains in her heart. The spirit of Celie never losing hope is in the music, conjuring the feeling that simply being alive is something to be grateful for. The Color Purple is a journey where laws and boundaries do not exist.

The portrayal of racism and segregation goes too deep into a Hollywood mode. The downfall is that there is over exaggeration in the dramatics that do not serve a proper purpose or a form of realism. The Color Purple is rather frustrating in the sense that it seems made to sell rather than authentic. The music is terrific though. It attempts to be a fulfilling flick through itscontinuity, acting and story, yet it falls short of attaining trulyjoyful vibes. It is an experience where boredom will come sooner than expected in its time length of two hours and forty minutes.

Despite the film’s slow approaches of being inviting there is more to the film to add sense of positivity. Celie meets Shug Avery, and she is played by Taraji. P Henson. She is the leading celebrity of the town. She has a big soul and an open heart and feels Celie’s pain. With the support of Shug, does Celie have more hopes to have a new life? Are there hopes she can find Nettie? Can she get away from Mister? Her hopes and prayers go a long way. Color Purple paints a portrait of how life can be when one deals with abuse physically and mentally every day.

With all of the joyful elements, the dynamic of the film is cursed because it takes place in an era of non-acceptance at intolerable levels. The Color Purple displays a raw, riveting and inspirational experience that will warm many hearts. It is also a musical experience that is driven to test boundaries to find light in the darker places of life. The film just lacks some realistic qualities, relying rather on over-the-top dramatics and ironies. This remake just does not make it. Two out of four stars for The Color Purple.

Film reviews

Eileen Review

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Eileen is a film where being vulnerable is at its core. In the film’s introduction, there is already a sense of desperation to feel connected as a girl watches others kiss in their vehicle. With a sad backdrop and eerie lighting in the depths of winter, there is bound to be a treacherous adventure. In Eileen, director William Oldroyd brings his audience into the world of the 1960s. It is a time when feeling loved is at the core of being fulfilled…despite the consequences. Thomasin McKenzie plays Eileen, and she has the looks and the personality to portray a character of deep emotions from a rough life. She sees that some light may come her way, but questions whether what she is doing is right.

Eileen works as an employee at a prison facility where she has agreedy and negative boss. All kinds of weird behaviors go on at the prison and each day is filled with catastrophes and mental stress. There are bizarre scenarios and rude employees all around. On top of it all, she lives with her father Jim (played by Shea Wigham), a former police officer and an alcoholic. Eileen’s father behaves erratically while he verbally abuses and blindsides his daughter. Eileen’s turmoil causes her to seek empathy and imagine closeness to cope. When a new doctor named Rebecca (played by Anne Hathaway) is hired at the prison facility, Eileen feels she has found a loving friend who truly cares about her. Is Eileen’s life about to be fulfilled?

The direction of Eileen focuses on the inseparable bond between Eileen and Rebecca. Rebecca caters to Eileen, buys her a few cocktails, and talks to her repeatedly. Eileen begins to feel her life is improving because someone cares for her. The human connection is surreal as Eileen and Rebecca are chatting on a winter’s night. What Eileen does not realize is that there is something sinister about Rebecca which is hard to see due to the clever and laid-back style of Hathaway’s performance.

While Eileen’s home life is a wreck, she believes that Rebecca is there for her until she begins to experience some weird patterns. Her father is still a narcissistic prick, and the prison facility is still filled with upsetting factors. Most of the film’s first halfcenters on the trials and errors of Eileen’s mental frustrations at home and work. However, Rebecca remains on her mind despite the looming danger. Eileen is a paced-out suspense that remains neutral in its tone. The writing is about personality trumping thoughts of personal safety. Because Eileen feels worthless every day, Rebecca is her light. Will Rebecca shine as brightlyas Eileen believes?

There is a moment in which Eileen’s father tells her, “Love will make you crazy.” This certainly holds true for Eileen as her-obsession with Rebecca causes her to underestimate the kind of situation, she is putting herself in. Due to the negativity in Eileen’s family life, she struggles to suppress her fascination with Rebecca. The tension is hidden, and the conflict is burdensome. Will audiences be ready for what is hidden when they experience Eileen? There are surprises in store for those curious about what is possible in the midst of a crazy trainwreck of a broken life.

Eileen is invigorating thanks to the captivating personalities in the performances of McKenzie and Hathaway. McKenzie’s performance is of a cute young lady who is unaware of what she is getting herself into. Hathaway’s performance is of a mightywoman with an ego and personality to die for. The connection between the two characters is where Eileen truly takes its audience by surprise. Does Rebecca really have deep feelings for Eileen? Is Eileen a target for Rebecca to use as a scapegoat for something irreparable? Rebecca helps Eileen express heranger and emotions about the sad life she must endure. Eileen is a daring experience with an unexpected and questionable outcome. Four out of four stars for Eileen.