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

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio Review

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I have watched Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio twice. The first time was in digital projection and the second time was in 35mm projection. Both editions were mesmerizing. As the wonderful world seen through the eyes of Toro grasped my attention, I felt like a young kid again. I love and feel connected to the characters of Pinocchio and Geppetto.  There are so many amazing voices in this atmospheric adventure including Pinocchio (voiced by Gregory Mann), Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley), Sebastian J. Cricket (voiced by Ewan McGregor), Spazzatura (voiced by Cate Blanchett), Candlewick (voiced by Finn Wolfhard), Count Volpe (voiced by Christoph Waltz), and Dottore (voiced by John Turturro). Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio is a world of wonder and joy with an imaginative storyline. Toro knows how to connect his audience to the love Pinocchio wants in the film.  It is simply a grandeur of cinema creativity and magic.

The story begins with a woodcarver, Geppetto who has recently lost his son. Filled with grief and despair, he puts his woodcarving skills to work to create a boy figure. Suddenly, that boy comes to life and calls himself Pinocchio who is full of energy and spreads love all around. At first Geppetto struggles to accept that Pinocchio has come into his life. Over time, however, Geppetto starts to feel like a father again. Pinocchio has some difficulties because he struggles to understand right from wrong in the world. He also finds it difficult to understand he is much different than the people around him. Despite all the differences Pinnochio is eager to feel like a real human being. His encounters with good influences including Sebastian J. Cricket, Candlewick, and of course Geppetto are the ones that care about Pinocchio the most. Sadly, Pinocchio does not understand who truly cares about him which causes him to run away with the evil Count Volpe in hopes of finding attention. With Geppetto still suffering from depression from the loss of his son, he sets out on a journey to get Pinocchio back.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio is an adventure of love, peril, and deceit. In between the happy and sad moments, there are many wonderful musical moments that are just extremely heartwarming. Toro’s direction is incredible in the way it makes the audience sense the love around Pinocchio.  Of course, as people know from the famous story, Pinocchio’s biggest issue is that when he lies his nose grows. Pinocchio’s nose is at the center of him learning to make the right choices during this joyful ride of magical animations.

The adventures which are filled with confusion, frustration, and sadness for Pinocchio and Geppetto are spellbinding. I was captivated with the disconnect the film displays in many loving ways. Toro knows connection and imagination. He creates a picture where love is enticing for everyone in the film. He even portrays admirable moments during the perilous scenes. Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio has many moments which deliver silver linings, but the best ones are between Geppetto and Pinocchio which is why I adore Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio. It is about connection, love, discovery, and acceptance portrayed in many endearing scenes.

The second time I saw Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, I attended the 35mm format at Music Box Theatre. The best part about this experience was that the director attended virtually along with the audience. Hearing Del Toro talk about his imagination and the process of making the film was captivating and surreal. Del Toro is not afraid to throw his creativity into full swing. He is also not afraid to do what it takes to make his audience feel a sense of connection to his projects. Both of his strengths are in full display and spot-on in Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio. Come experience the love with Geppetto, Pinocchio, and many other wonderful characters in this not to miss movie. Four stars.

Film reviews

The Fabelmans Review

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I love movies. I have had a fascination with cinema since a young age, and I love writing reviews about the movies I watch. Steven Spielberg also started loving movies when he was young, and he has made many masterpiece films. The Fabelmans is another one of his masterpieces. It’s a film that inspires everyone to follow their heart, to persevere, and to always remain committed to a craft that you love.

The Fablemans takes place in the 1950s and 1960s. The film is based Spielberg’s life, and his passion to make films. Sammy Fabelman (played by Gabriel LaBelle) is an enthusiastic boy who becomes inspired to make art through a video camera. His parents are Mitzi and Burt Fabelman (played by Michelle Williams and Paul Dano). Mitzi wants the best for her son and she supports his desire to create movies. Burt has mixed feelings about the whole thing.

Sammy’s motivation to make films comes from experiencing a train suspense sequence in a movie. He grows up being fascinated with various filming techniques. Over time, he learns more and more about filmmaking. It becomes clear that he has a talent for the craft, and he is fully committed to it. He begins to realize that filmmaking can change his life.


The performances of LaBelle, Williams, and Dano are superb. The Fabelmans has its audience feeling Sammy’s emotion as he strives through the changes of his life while being passionate about film. Its vivid, realistic, and powerful.

I love The Fablemans and I was very touched by it. I am a fanatic for cinema nostalgia and this film has plenty of that. Sammy faces problems within his own life that are unavoidable. He is concerned with whether his father supports him and his craft. But through his directing Spielberg shows that Sammy can turn despair into hope. Sammy’s life reminds us what it means for people to follow their dreams. The film tugged at my emotions as Sammy has his moments of being unsure if he can continue his love for film.

While watching The Fablemans I found myself having many questions. Does Sammy really want to do movies for the rest of his life? Will his craft get better over the years? Will his father support how much Sammy truly loves movies? The Fabelmans is a journey showing the complexity and sometimes the harshness of Sammy’s world, mostly with his mom and dad.

As I said, I love movies and wanted to do something with my life relating to movies. I started doing film reviews when I was very young. Just as Sammy finds love in filmmaking, I found love in writing film reviews. The Fabelmans shows Sammy learning his craft, through editing, learning to direct, etc. I always like to try to think how I can improve my craft as a film reviewer. The truth is that everyone can keep gradually growing to develop their talents, as they remain committed to what they love.

In The Fabelmans Sammy’s mother tells him, “Movies are dreams that you never forget.” This saying was probably the most emotionally moving part of the film for me, because it’s something I believe. This line really connected me to The Fabelmans. I will never forget this film. Experiencing a movie about one loving film as much as I do was very special. The Fabelmans made me feel upbeat and appreciative of my film review craft, and will make others feel upbeat in many areas of their life as well. Four stars for The Fabelmans.

Critics Classics, Film essays, Film reviews

Critics Classics: Casablanca 80th Anniversary Review

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The 1942 Michael Curtiz classic Casablanca is one of the most influential and compelling classics in the history of cinema. I have watched Casablanca in various formats over the years. The first was VHS, the second was DVD, the third was laser disc, the fourth was Blu-ray, and my fifth time was on the big screen. Although I enjoyed all the different formats, seeing this amazing filmon the big screen is simply the best. Casablanca immerses its audience in cinema appreciation mode to the fullest.

To recap the plot of Casablanca, the film takes place in Casablanca, Morocco in the WWII era. Humphrey Bogart is Rick Blaine, a café owner, an ex-patriot with drinking problems and emotional issues. Rick’s Café starts to receive letters regarding refugees with instructions for how to escape during the uncharted times depicted in the film. The other struggle in Rick’s life is his former lover, Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman. Her husband is Victor Laszlo, and he is played by Paul Henreid. In the film, Rick finds himself in a position where he needs to make hard choices involving his café and Ilsa that may have damaging consequences. Casablanca is all about connection, and what one man will do for those he truly loves. Rick loves Ilsa, but does he want to take risks for her?

With the relationship between Ilsa and Rick revisited in the movie, Casablanca’s directing, and writing are still inspiring. Some would label the film “noir.” The story, however, is a drama. The plot involves Rick finally coming to a decision about his café and Ilsa with the politics of WWII playing out around him. There are difficult choices for Rick, but it is hard to make the correct ones.

Bogart’s performance is exceptional, and it continues with Ilsa throughout the film’s journey of love and danger. Powerful elements are captured in the cinematography and the lighting. The dialogue is also enticing as thoughts, connection, and confusion are expressed. As one of the most famous quotes from Bogart goes, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” that moment continues to be invigorating and heartfelt. Bogart’s performance is the hero of Casablanca’s many years of brilliance and appreciation.

The nostalgia of Casablanca still lives on. Many decades later, it is still a masterpiece. The love between Rick and Ilsa is a gem.  Many aspects of this classic will continue to be appreciated through the years which is why I plan to revisit it in the future and savor even more nuances as I view this unforgettable film. Four stars.