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.
4K, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews, Warner Bros

Warner Bros 4K Releases: North by Northwest, Blazing Saddles, and The Terminator

Leave a comment

What’s better than reliving cinematic nostalgia? Continuing the collection of physical media! While we live in a time whenphysical media is limited, Warner Bros 4K Releases offer a combination of films that are surreal and unforgettable. From running from planes in North by Northwest, laughing with cowboys in Blazing Saddles, and seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger play the hero in The Terminator—there is an excitement and an adrenaline rush that lasts for ages. These are classic 4K releases that are worth the time, the money, and the energy to enjoy either for the first time or the tenth.

North by Northwest is a film I have watched four times in my life. The first experience was in a classroom, the second experience was in the cinema (in standard definition), the third was also in the cinema (in print projection), and the fourth was the 4K physical release. The layers of investigative purpose in this movie dive boldly, and still ignite my love for the film. Each cut or new restoration serves to brighten the suspense. The 4k experience makes the chase scenes more exciting as does wondering who is at fault in the film’s many suspenseful moments.

As a die-hard fan of Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles is one movie that always makes me laugh out loud. It reminds me of a time when comedies were much more successful. Originality back in the day served a greater purpose and had a greater impact. The sound quality makes the laughter heighten the atmosphere which in turn causes the comedy to whirl around in circles leading to entertaining revelations. It is easier and more interesting to experience the humor in the audibles of Blazing Saddles in 4K.

Finally, there is James Cameron, a director who has always navigated his writing and craftsmanship with the skill of a champion. The Terminator is the beginning of a franchise that boils into many layers that demonstrate what filmmaking is all about. The 4K cut is one-of-a-kind. The many aspects of thecinematics and the characters fuel the fire of success in the 4K version. The quote, “I’LL BE BACK,” is the perfect message toremind viewers of the nostalgia in revisiting this classic.  

Film reviews

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

Leave a comment

A monumental story of a legend and an inspirational icon who never gave up. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is an insightful documentary that is deeply mesmerizing in part because Christopher’s children tell his story. Alexandra Reeve Givens Matthew Reeve, and Will Reeve go into detail about how their father truly was a hero. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story loops back much of the archived footage of Christopher playing Clark Kent/Superman and other roles. The film also includes scenes from many of the events he attended as an advocate. Despite being paralyzed in an accident, he made it his goal to change the world.

The authenticity of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is its chronological direction. It smoothly weaves the days of Christopher being in plays, to being in big movies, and then being paralyzed. There is an important message that learning to thrive no matter what our circumstances is what every individual should do every day of their life. There is a saying in the film “waves of humanity” which is linked to the friendship that Christopher had with Robin Williams from their days together in theatre. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is filled with empathy and connection that made me feel like I was a participant in Christopher’s story of fighting for change.

The stories shared by Alexandra, Matthew, and Will elaborate on how their father was always there for them. They also go into detail about the sacrifices their lives entailed to care for him. The family created a foundation which is still going strong. The theme of never giving up by finding areas of purpose is powerful in Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. The phrase, “I will walk again,” paints the portrait of how much Christopher did to feel like he was still “walking.” He reminded people they can still live their best life possible—even if it has limits or deficits.

The power of connection resonates in this film. The audience will feel like they get a true glimpse into Christopher’s mind. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story soars with sadness, triumph, and hope. A life filled with transitions made him an icon who defines the best of both worlds as an inspirational hero. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story will invigorate audiences with its positivity and make them feel like they can fly. Four out four stars.

Film reviews

Trapped Inn Review

Leave a comment

It is a quarantine thriller with an intriguing premise—a unique approach with a promising direction. Trapped Inn jams with a competition of cyclists. Those “cyclists” go from competition mode to peril mode. Trapped Inn is one-of-a-kind. With the competition of cycling shifting gears, it resorts to “gears” to find the right tactics to battle what is unknown on the outside.

The crew consists of a team. The four primary members are Connor (played by Matt Rife), Greg (played by Robert Palmer Watkins), Coach (played by Brian Gross), and Wyatt (played by Oliver Trevena). They train along trails in European mountains—the bed and breakfast loops shades of shady characteristics. The vibe of the hosts brings in concerning aspects. Connor notices red flags. After a day, news spreads that people must stay inside. It is a virus, not a killer.

The film loops in the quarantine aspect with the effect of worsening scenarios. As the concerns and terror are evolving, safety is on thin ice. The unknown news leads to poor choices between Connor and Coach. The writing is thorough. The limits of resources heighten the scarcity in Trapped Inn. The mountain scenery leaves many thoughts of seclusion. This causes more detrimental fear throughout the film.

With the team in limbo, Trapped Inn is bizarre and attention-grabbing. The competition to win rotates. The focus to “win” is finding the means to live. It continues to be a quarantine adventure pushing the limits of anxiety. It is a blur in some moments. It does tend to drag with boredom in a few instances.

The peril is based on limited evidence. Trapped Inn is clever in its tracks when creating unexpected incidents. Without giving spoilers, going outside is where fatality is likely to happen. With the dangers abstract, it has that suspense vibe of curiosity.

With the stressors strolling through (like a blur), Trapped Inn is a landscape of its characters unaware of what treachery to be ready for. The writing of its audience remaining blank is where I found amusement with Trapped Inn. Rife playing the one who streams for popularity is where the classical humor tangos with Trapped Inn. That is because his persona of expectations and egos shifts. “Shifts” are like a bipolar mode of fake seriousness. There are no levels of “seriousness” that are authentic in Trapped Inn. That is why it is cheesy and inviting. Its dynamic to compete does a full rotation to a matter of safety mixed with misfits.

The absent-mindedness of its characterizations in a life-and-death matter is what is executed right in Trapped Inn. While all its moments are witty, its structure still thrives to entertain. It is quirky in its matter of survival. It feels like one that is a breeze. “Breeze” because its writing is not written in a revolving context. The finish line (for the cyclists) comes when there is a better understanding. One that defines what all the global warnings are about. It is extravagant for a fun watch, but do not expect to be terrified—two-and-a-half out of four stars for Trapped Inn.