zuhairi1994 Reviews

The World's End (2013)

Disappointing but good

[8/10 · 22 December 2013]

This film suffers the same problem as last year's (2012) Seven Psychopaths - huge expectations, poor satisfactions.

Out of many films this year, this films is still good. The dialogues are still sharp, the editing and special effects are top notch, and the soundtrack is wonderful. One thing that I would like to really mention here is the main theme of the film. Compared to Shaun and Fuzz, The World's End complex theme on youth and regrets are something rare and special.

However, compared to previous films of the Cornetto Trilogy, The World's End suffers from poor story and character development. The switching of Pegg's and Frost's character personality is a good attempt but unsatisfying. Not trying to contradict myself, the dialogues are sharp and fact pace but most of them are not funny. Smart, but humourless.

In summary, The World's End is a good chapter to end the Cornetto Trilogy but don't expect it to be as funny or as smart as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.

Man of Steel (2013)

Good, but not great.

[8/10 · 14 June 2013]

They should have just gave it to another writer and director. I don't hate Snyder and David but if you are going to create a film franchise, make sure the opening dish is great. The film lacks what made Nolan's Batman Trilogy a success: a sense of depth and thematic elements. Its straightforward and bloated presentation kind of ruined all the wasted potential this film could offer. The third act of the film is filled with nothing but loud noises, one liners, yet impressive set pieces and visual effects. Snyder is known for his style and I like that. However, after leaving the theater, I never bother to think about the film that much. Unlike The Dark Knight, where I spent days thinking about how good and deep the film affects me.

I think we all got fooled on how they keep mentioning Nolan's involvement in this film. The reason on why Iron Man films were a great success was because of its humor, and X-men is the thematic elements it carries. I hate to compare this film to other comic book films but how can a film be successful if it doesn't stand out among the rests. I think the greatest thing about this film is its musical score. Some may disagree with me but I think Zimmer did a brilliant job, even succeeding John Williams if I may say so.

Conclusion: It's a good film but I wanted more. Maybe Nolan should have directed it himself.

Blade Runner (1982)

Mixed reaction but requires multiple viewings

[9/10 · 6 May 2013]

When I first watched this film, I was bored to death. There was no laser coming out of the guns, no explosions, no humor, and not even a great quote. But I was surprised by the fan base it created and decides to give it another chance - another 5 chances. I watched the film over and over again because with each viewing, the film unfolds a few surprises and ingenuity; the same effect displayed by 2001: A Space Odyssey. I hated both films equally, but decided to sacrifice the time I would never ever be getting back and re-watch them over and over again. I love the sci-fi noir mash-up presented and till this day, it still holds the very definition of so.

However, till now, I still feel detached from the characters. I care about them, but I don't feel the emotions they felt in the predicaments they got themselves into. The characters also seemed undeveloped and the acting is somewhat dry. Maybe, that was how they were written, to subtly inform us of their true nature: a human or a replicant. The dialogue itself also at times tend to be too cryptic and delivered woodenly.

For those who dislike or apathetic to this film should re-watch and reevaluate it. Like 2001: A Space Odyssey, it is not meant to be watch once. Then again, it's only MY opinion.