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.
42 CLFF, Film reviews

Becoming Vera-42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival-Movies with Tarek

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This is a film where all may feel lost, but deep-down hope prevails. There is audacious and grand desperation to seek a new light in this story which is one of the best films in the 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival. The composition is strong and the persistence is mesmerizing. The film captures someone whorelies upon resources to survive. Despite the mattersencountered, the film is about pushing past hurdles. This is Becoming Vera, written and directed by Sergio Vizuete. He is stellar at capturing rare talent in this one-of-a-kind drama centered on fascination with the piano.

The film’s main character is Vera, and she is played by Raquel Lebish. She has been in and out of the system since she aged out of the foster care program and now finds herself jumping between jobs and homes. Vera has a talent for piano, because her former foster mom had a piano in her life. However, Vera has been self-taught. She lands a job painting someone’s studio. The studio is under a man named Hector, and he is played by Gabriel Dehl. He is teaching a pianist named Ellen Rivera, and she is played by Mikaela Monet. Once Vera touches Gabriel’s instruments, he decides to give her a shot.

The film explores multiple angles of competition that Vera faces. The film is vivid at showcasing persistence. While Vera continues to juggle her life as an orphan, she is also prepping in the piano studio with Hector. She has an opportunity to work her way up in the Latin music scene. Her nemesis, however, is Helen. Both musicians possess different styles. While Vera is self-taught, Helen has been taught how to play through structured lessons. Helen has the upper hand because of her musical education and the fact that she is more connected with those in the music industry. Vera’s only connection is Hector, and he can be two-faced.

The film does a great job of exploring this journey of someone who must work their way to the top. I appreciate the value of the message in this film focused on never giving up. The craftsmanship of the writing is so pure and beautiful. It is a moving picture of someone trying to thrive with love for a craft while also grappling with the uncharted territory she continues to encounter.

The devotion from the performance of Lebish is gold. She repeatedly shows up to do the impossible. Despite being an orphan, she keeps taking the chance to prove her piano playing has purpose. She goes above and beyond. She pushes herself to the limit. She disregards the hardship that circles around her. The film reinforces how important it is to live life in the present.As she says in the film, “I’m a fast learner.” She means it. Orphan life is an obstacle, but becoming an accomplished artist is an opportunity. Vera is unwilling to throw in the towel. Four out of four stars for Becoming Vera.

 

Film reviews

I Swear Review

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A mesmerizing true story that is very powerful. A film that reminds audiences not to feel they are alone. There is a sense of urgency to learn more. This film is called I Swear which was written and directed by Kirk Jones. It is the unforgettable real-life story of John Davidson, an icon that inspired the world with efforts to navigate his life with Tourette syndrome. It is riveting and emotional. The docudrama format brings many important aspects which add to the seriousness of the film. I Swear may be one of the best films I have ever seen. I was especially moved by the story because I also grew up dealing with learning challenges. I Swear reminded me that having others around that share similar patterns helps us grow stronger.

The film’s main character is John Davidson, played by Robert Aramayo. John has grown up having difficulties in school and struggles fitting in. Tourette Syndrome is not well known during his upbringing. John cannot help what he does or says. His family tends to dismiss him, but then the Achenbach family takes him in. Dottie Achenbach, played by Maxine Peake, has worked in the healthcare industry with people who have mental health issues. She feels a connection and appreciates having John around. Despite his tics, she finds him to have a loving heart. John does not receive much love and support from his own family. John perseveres as he copes with his disability while also trying to find a path to becoming a better person.

There are moments when John finds himself in turmoil or peril. Much of that is because he is desperate to find a way to fit in. The film’s writing demonstrates how mistakes can happen quite frequently in John’s life. At the same time, however, audiences will pick up on the fact that his heart is still good. With the various resources available and important steps Dottie teaches him, I Swear transitions to a brighter portrait. More doors begin to open for him, and promising possibilities present themselves, not only for John, but others who may be in the same boat, dealing with Tourette syndrome.

I appreciate the message of helping those who are in need. I relate to feeling disconnected which can also lead to revelations. I love the true story and how it shows that family and friends can also reach plateaus when trying to be supportive. Deep down, we know that John cannot help how he responds to things. We understand that he does not intend for his own life to be in a state of disarray. He just requires more resources to succeed. The film’s brilliance is reinforced by the encouragement he receives.

I Swear reminds people not to be afraid. Despite our disabilities, our struggles, and our conflicts, we are all only human. There is something authentically good inside each of us that can be used to create and to inspire. The life story of John Davidson serves as a shining example and speaks to the world. Four out of four stars for I Swear.

 

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.