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

Bullet Train Review

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What country has almost two thousand miles of very high speed “bullet” trains? Japan. What happens to a bullet train if anything goes wrong at those speeds? The passengers—and the main characters in the film Bullet Train—are of course in very serious risk of harm. What actor can deliver a dark humor with laughs and deceit that can stand up to these extreme risks? The one and only Brad Pitt.

In Bullet Train, a film directed by David Leitch, Pitt is Ladybug, a man who does dirty work for high pay. He is assigned to retrieve a briefcase on a train, but there are others aboard the train who have the same goal. There are two agents, Tangerine and Lemon, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry. There is Prince, played by Joey King. And there is Kimura, played by Andrew Koji. All have one element in common—they are all assassins. Ladybug realizes that the other operatives aboard the train will make his mission more difficult, and that there are many dangers associated with the mission.

With Bullet Train, Leitch uses violence, conflict, and characterizations for numerous surprises. With Pitt as the lead character, there is no question that it will be a ride of high-octane fun. Pitt’s down-to-earth attitude and method style acting is a perfect fit for this film. His character here is reminiscent of his role in Mr. and Mrs. Smith(2005) blended with Fight Club (1999).

The character development in Bullet Train is superb. There are tons of satirical conversations between Ladybug and Tangerine, and Ladybug and Lemon. All of the main characters are criminal pros, and as the tension grows they think back on their background and to funny conversations with clever metaphors and references. Be ready to hear a generous amount of references to Thomas the Train. One character repeatedly refers to it as his way of coping with stressful situations, and the references are always hysterical.

Bullet Train is flat out fun with many tangents, and it’s unforgettable. There are many blindsiding scenarios where the film becomes a ride of laughs, action, and non-stop brilliance from the mind of director David Leitch. It is an action hijacking film on acid, a warp-speed of brilliance and engrossing suspense. I did not want the train to stop. With Brad Pitt in fight mode there is always an extra hit of something, an iron fist, sarcasm, misdirection, or a combination of the above. See Pitt in his epic performance on a very fast train. Four stars for Bullet Train.

Film reviews

Vengeance Review

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In his directorial debut, B.J. Novak (Ryan from “The Office”) brings us Vengeance, a hysterical and dark film that defines how small a world can be for an introverted reporter with an articulate and creative mind.

In Vengeance Novak plays Ben Manalowitz, a radio host in New York City. When a girl that he previously hooked up with is found dead, Ben decides to go down South to investigate her death. The women’s family hosts Ben and the trip ends up being more than he anticipated. He gets more insight on the girl he dated, but also gets a taste for the place she grew up —a town with an oddball of a family and lots of redneck activities.

Director Novak goes all out in culture mode in Vengeance, and the reporter side of Novak’s character brings out the craziness of the quirky characters in the film, including mother Sharon, played by J. Smith Cameron, and odd town gang member Quentin Sellers, played by Ashton Kutcher. Both actors have laid-back personalities, and they can both be silly, which works well with this dark comedy.

With the small-town setting, the background of Novak’s character, and the mystery, Vengeance is a ride of deceitful but clever humor. The title of the film may make its audience assume that the film is geared toward revenge, which is what the girl’s family wants in the beginning. But that is certainly not the film’s focus. It is more about Ben, a New York City guy, learning to blend with the rural folks and starting to become one of them.

Novak’s directing in Vengeance is top-notch, his character is outstanding, and the film is a slightly quirky but rather intriguing flick. It had me deep in thought and curiosity, but it also made me laugh a lot. I was sold on the news and reporting concept, and it was fascinating to see Ben try to adapt with the people he meets in the film. Vengeancebrings a small world of possibilities together, and it is stellar. Three and a half stars for Vengeance.

Film reviews

The Phantom of the Open Review

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Golf is one of those sports where it is one where honing the skill and craft goes a long way. Many professionals start the first day at a young age. For Maurice Flitcroft, he began his golfing days in his 40s. The Phantom of the Open is fun, faithful, and honest. Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, and Rhys Ifans are all dazzling in this heartfelt comedy based on the true story of Maurice Flitcroft. As an individual who loved taking golf lessons as a child, and who enjoys hitting at the driving range, I found much joy in this film. Many elements of The Phantom of the Open touched my heart. That is because the film is faithful towards making its point that it is never too late to learn golf. Only thing though, not many would just jump into a big golf tournament with little to no experience. Flitcroft does though.

With The Phantom of the Open gearing on Rylance as Maurice, Rylance is the absolute and definite roll for Maurice. Rylance always displays that patient, family-man, and dad vibe. He is an individual that tries to put all negativity aside, and just go with the flow. Not only go with the flow, but also encourage the environments around him to go his pace. With Sally Hawkins playing the role of Jean Flitcroft (Maurice’s wife) she goes with that patient vibe as well. I love how the duo between both Rylance and Hawkins plays into a positive and fun comedy that is fun for many ages. The one who throws in the agitations with the plot of the film is Keith Mackenzie, and he is played by Rhys Ifans. That is because his role is the one that tries to put a halt to Maurice’s crazy dreams. But with the vibe from Rylance’s performance, his crazy dreams make The Phantom of the Open to be a hole-in-one experience.

In the film, Maurice is someone who randomly has a dream to enter the British Open Golf Championship in 1976. With no experience at all, Maurice finds a way in. In the beginning though his skills lack and continue to not improve. However, Maurice begins to gain his craft slowly but truly. The message from Maurice’s goals is to never give up with a skill one is passionate about. I found that Rylance can deliver one of those roles where he can keep being a role model to many. Especially with a film gearing on the competitive sport of golf, he makes it obvious that many can build a craft or hone the skill, and eventually become a pro at any age.

As the film progresses with trial and error, new opportunities arise for Maurice. He begins to receive more recognition, some politics come into play, but despite all the stressors, Maurice continues to keep up his momentum on the golf course. The Phantom of the Open is a film where the positive vibes continue to thrive. Three and a half stars for The Phantom of the Open.