mohamedmassoud-71470 Reviews

Beirut (2018)

what A Shame.

[1/10 · 23 March 2018]

This is NOT Beirut. An American Hollywood stereotypical view of beirut which is wrong beyond measures. As a Lebanese citizen I am more than disgusted.

Something Like Summer (2017)

A spot in my Top 100 worst movies ever.

[2/10 · 2 March 2018]

SOMETHING LIKE SUMMER- 23% The story is nice, however, everything else related to the movie is absurd. The sound engineering felt like something from a Disney movie. The structure jumped from 5 years to 5 years like it was nothing. the actors did have some potential which the director did not really know how to enlighten. The cinematography is annoying, with shaky cameras in stabilized shots, and camera crane shadows in some unnecessary scenes. The screenplay was rotten cheese. I repeat, the story itself is nice. The idea focuses on sensitive subjects related to love, acceptance, and fate. However, I don't think the director knows the meaning of these three words because he sure did not know how to show it. I did feel it sometimes with the actors which I think could have done so much more if directed correctly. Story wise and execution: 1.05/3.5 Acting: 0.5/2 Camera work: 0.4/2 Sound: 0.3/2 Overall Score: 1.13/5

How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014)

One of the most perfect ways to end a show.

[8/10 · 25 February 2018]

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER ALL SEASONS: 84% How I met your mother was a very nice exciting journey. The characters are individually unique in their own way of weirdness, that you tend to fall in love with every single one of them throughout. I am not much of a comedy fan and the aspect of the show that kept me hooked was those dramatic moments every once in a while. Seasons 1-8 were good. But season 9 was absolutely beautiful.

***SPOILERS*** I would like to talk much more detailed about the show. So dont read if you havent seen it. Marshall and Lilly were wonderful throughout. Lilly always got me with her tears which were so real. Robin, my absolute favorite, had the most realistic personality in the show, one you can relate to. Barney, as amazing and funny as he is, he annoyed me quite often. I still love and idolize his work. In addition, I think he was one of the best actors in the show. I had a few drawbacks with the show. Firstly, I was very pleased with Barney and Robins relationship and character development which was very heartfelt. It confused me when Barney directly went back to his old self. I wish they had showed the mother halfway through(possibly season 4-5), the whole show is revolved around meeting her, and one season did not do her justice. I wish they had showed the death of the mother in one complete episode. Its like they summed up the most important part in 5 minutes of the last episode when is could have needed at least 20 to offer the viewers, the actors, and the show the most ultimate closure of letting go. How I met your mother failed to do that which caused a lot of angry viewers with a disappointing ending. However, for me, the ending of him going back to Robin was absolutely perfect, and the killing of the mother was genius. It has always been Ted and Robin from the first episode that we see their eyes glancing at one another. The fact that The mother had also lost her lover in a car crash makes her death even more valuable because shes finally with her loved one as well. This show values the importance of the universe and destiny. It was absolutely brilliant because Robin and Ted were always meant to be, but Robin couldn't give Ted the thing her wants most: KIDS. But Ted meets the perfect woman for him and spends around 15 years with her, gets two children before she passes away. The universe planned it all along. Beautiful Show. Story wise and execution: 32.1/35 Acting: 23.2/25 Camera work: 15.1/20 Sound: 13.1/20

The Gifted (I) (2017–2019)

A good show!

[7/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE GIFTED- 71% Well, despite the absolutely horrible cheesy acting at times, the story is set to a good start and an amazing mind-twisting ending. The CGI effects were not too bad for a first season. The screenplay was funny at times in a non-comedic way, which is not ideal. However, the story is very rich with content and everybody loves some mutant action fantasies. The story structure was good until it became great with an ending that I had been waiting for this whole show. *SPOILERS* Throughout the season, it was kind of frustrating to see all these mutants being so nice to the humans who are constantly trying to torture, kill, and mentally destroy them. However, that beautiful ending that left the mutants divided between the fighters and the protectors really boosted my satisfaction. Story wise and execution: 31.2/35 Acting: 11.2/25 Camera work: 17.8/20 Sound: 11.2/20

The End of the F***ing World (2017–2019)

What a true Dark comedy Gem... which is funny, romantic, creepy, and surprisingly touching at times.

[9/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD- 91% Ive never seen this idea before and it is indeed very creative. The actors did a nice job portraying their roles and Even though the character development wasn't clear at times... I could still feel it. I binge watched this show because it is so interesting where the show grasps your attention until the final minute of the movie which might I add is absolutely astounding. Story Wise and Execution: 33.1/35 Acting: 22.2/25 Camera work: 19.1/20 Sound: 17/20

Black Mirror (2011– )

I am very pleased with another creatively enriched season of Black Mirror. Here are the episodes from best to worst in my opinion:

[8/10 · 25 February 2018]

BLACK MIRROR- 85% I will be judging Black Mirror per episode because of the diverse set of episodes per season. Episode 4- Hang the DJ (98%) Episode 1- USS Callister (95%) Episode 2- Arkangel (86%) Episode 6- Black Museum (80%) Episode 3- Crocodile (78%) Episode 5- Metalhead (72%) Overall Score: 4.24/5

Episode 1 - 95% USS Callister Genius. A very smart geek creates a code that makes millions and is overshadowed by his partner and co-workers who think he is a very creepy loser. At first you feel for him until you later see that he created his own game where all his co-workers are in through the advanced digital cloning of their DNA. A very terrifying, thrilling, funny, and amazing start for season 4 of Black Mirror. Story wise and execution: 3.32/3.50 Acting: 2.38/2.5 Camera work: 1.89/2 Sound: 1.88/2 Overall Score: 4.74/5

Episode 2 ? 86% Arkangel Talk about Privacy. An overprotective mother who almost lost her daughter twice finds a new technological program called Arkangel that shows her everything that happens in her daughter?s life. I personally loved everything in this episode except the structure. I felt like it could have given more. The amazing last 10 minutes balanced the poor structure. Story wise and execution: 2.58/3.5 Acting: 2.36/2.5 Camera work: 1.82/2 Sound: 1.79/2 Overall Score: 4.28/5

Episode 3- 78% Crocodile Disturbing. This is that episode that makes you feel worse as you watch it. A couple accidently hits a biker and disposes of his body to later enlighten how preventing a harsh memory will make you do inhumane things. I felt like this episode had a nice solid idea but was very bland throughout. It is suppose to be like that but it didn?t satisfy me like it should. Story Wise and execution: 2.68/3.50 Acting: 1.98/2.5 Camera work: 1.67/2 Sound: 1.42/2 Overall Score: 3.88/5

Episode 4- 98% Hang the DJs The best episode of Black Mirror Hands down. The story is enriched with such flavor that this episode felt like an emotional roller coaster ride that I might never forget. Two individuals join a dating program hoping to find their perfect match. Story wise and execution: 3.5/3.5 Acting: 2.5/2.5 Camera work: 2/2 Sound: 1.84/2 Overall Score: 4.92/5

Episode 5- 72% Metalhead Eummm Okay? The episode is as bland and dull as its color. Watch it and you will know what I mean. It was quite thrilling which is why I need to give them a decent score. Three people are trying to survive killer robotic dogs after trying to get something from a warehouse. Story wise and execution: 1.73/3.5 Acting: 2.11/2.5 Camera work: 1.68/2 Sound: 1.66/2 Overall Score: 3.59/2

Episode 6- 80% Black Museum A nice way to end season 4 of black mirror with multiple stories that will make you uncomfortable. A girl?s car breaks down next to an old museum that has many uncanny criminal objects. Story wise and execution: 2.78/3.5 Acting: 1.83/2.5 Camera work: 1.87/2 Sound: 1.53/2 Overall Score: 4.01/5

Dark (2017–2020)

Slow, Original, but not for everyone.

[7/10 · 25 February 2018]

DARK- 70% I am not quite sure how I feel about "Dark" Before I Talk about the show itself, i must confess that this show has amazing camera work, and a very impressive sound engineer. The story is enriched with flavor, and mystery... but for some reason, It took me around two weeks to finish season 1. That is quite uncanny for me to take so long, as shows like The OA and stranger things was a binge for me. This show does lie in the same category as them regarding creativity. I can't tell whether it was the German Language that made it difficult for me to see, or was it the horrible story structure the show portrayed, or was it a little bit of both? I was hoping for a much more mind bending end as the show had the content to blow our minds at the end. I got bored throughout and just wanted to finish so I could know the ending. Shows like these need to have a very strong force to keep the audience interested, and I am not sure "Dark" did it absolute justice. I must give it 33 for originality, creativity, and professionalism. Story wise and execution: 17.8/35 Acting: 12.6/25 Camera work: 19.5/20 Sound: 20/20

American Horror Story (2011– )

A thrilling experience!!

[8/10 · 25 February 2018]

AHS 9- 81% I was really impressed with this season of AHS, by touching on realistic and sensitive subjects concerning the presidential election, women degradation, and white fascist supremacy. This show had one of the best character developments I have ever seen. An absolute phenomenal acting and character development with Sarah Paulson. This season was quite the experience. Story wise and execution: 30.8/35 Acting: 25/25 Camera work: 12.9/20 Sound: 12.3/20

Stranger Things (2016–2025)

A beautiful genius series!

[10/10 · 25 February 2018]

STRANGER THINGS- 97% Stranger things season 2 was a binge watch for me with phenomenal story structure, astonishing performances, and memorable 80's references. The duffer brothers did it again! Story wise and execution: 32.8/35 Acting: 25/25 camer work: 19.1/20 sound: 20/20

The OA (2016–2019)

The OA is probably the best thing I have ever seen.

[10/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE OA- 99% I always value a story that is enriched with originality, creativity, and spirituality. The OA offers a very thrilling and heartwarming experience. The story is quite breathtaking and indirectly realistic regarding certain aspects. Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling are a very underrated Duo as their movies never disappoint me, on the contrary, inspire me. The story could relate to everyone as Zal used many sensitive characters( the women who lost her brother, the transgender, the sensitive bully, the over-stressed student, the drugs, etc..) The structure of the story is slow paced but definitely worth the patience. Brit Marling takes you on an adventure with her phenomenal acting. It is very rare to feel like you are a part of a series, and Brit takes you on this story that uplifts and shatters you at the same time. For me, The OA is a work of pure ART. Story wise and execution: 35/35 Acting: 25/25 Camera work: 18.6/20 Sound: 20/20

The Insult (2017)

A Structural Masterpiece.

[9/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE INSULT- 90% I was quite annoyed as i wanted to be the first Lebanese filmmaker to have an Oscar nomination but this movie is very well deserved for its nomination. The story and the way it was structured was absolutely perfect. The main two actors were very impressive which balanced other weaker actors. The cinematography is basic but effective. Adel Karam is quite the actor. The conflict in the story is very intriguing and Raw. I am so glad that a Lebanese movie was finally showcased in the world and I only dream of more to come. The history of Lebanon is so diverse and emotional that I am surprised that there aren't at least 40 movies related to all the conflicts lebanon had to withstand. The character development was shown in simple glimpses of certain situations. I was also happy that the director Ziad was not biased towards a certain character but was enriching and compassionate with both of them. The message in this movie is what was so astounding: "Despite out experience, ego, and pride, we are all in this together." A must see. Story wise and execution: 35/35 Acting: 21.6/25 Camera Work: 16.8/20 Sound: 16.1/20

Irreplaceable You (2018)

Disappointing.

[6/10 · 25 February 2018]

IRREPLACEABLE YOU- 64% The story is unique, with a new way of showing a love tragedy that I dont come across often. The death of the girl is shown in the first shot of the movie and the process of the movie is how the couple could cope and accept it. The story is nice but the structure was boring, the screenplay was uncanny, and the acting wasn't amazing. Story wise and execution: 16/35 Acting: 16/25 Camera work: 16/20 Sound: 16/20

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Dark, emotional, and beautiful.

[9/10 · 25 February 2018]

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI- 91% Three Billboards had such an emotional story that was surrounded by a dark sequence that was funny at times, and extremely distressing at others. I now finally understand why Frances McDormand is winning all these awards because she was truly staggering playing Mildred. I think Sam Rockwell was very good as well, not good enough to win a Golden Globe or an Oscar( My preference). There were a few scenes which I wanted more from. The emotion was there but something was missing for me to gain the whole emotional experience. Story wise and execution: 31/35 Acting: 24/25 Camera Work: 18.4/20 Sound: 17.8/2

Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)

Incredibly disappointing.

[5/10 · 25 February 2018]

PITCH PERFECT 3- 49% The first two Movies in this franchise were cool, fun, hip, and inspiring. The first one had the incredible song "Cups" Which was a world wide hit, and the second movie had "When tomorrow comes" which gave everyone goosebumps. The stories in the past two movies were also quite relevant and had a nice structure. Now this movie had a weird story, that wasn't nearly as interesting. The acting was beyond terrible. The first hour was boring to a degree that I paused the movie and watched other things to regain some energy to finish it. The last 30 minutes were funny and entertaining. I just wish they had a stronger song to finish this franchise with a much more inspiring tone to it. The hit song of this part isn't even memorable. It felt like a kids movie. Story wise and execution: 12/35 Acting: 8.9/25 Camera Work: 13/20 Sound: 15/20

Fifty Shades Freed (2018)

Surprisingly decent for the fifty shades franchise.

[5/10 · 25 February 2018]

FIFTY SHADES FREED- 51% I was not a fan of the Fifty Shades franchise. I strongly disliked the lack of creativity in the screenplay, and acting aspect. However, I must say, Fifty shades freed was surprisingly entertaining. It was a nice watch, despite the horrible screenplay, the cheesy acting at times, and the uncanny scenes. Th structure was good, and I liked the decency of the story in the third movie which could have done so much more. I believe Mr Grey should have been casted better. Part 3 was the best movie out of all three. Story wise and execution: 12/35 Acting: 11/25 Camera work: 10/20 Sound: 18.4/20

Emo: The Musical (2016)

Unique but dissatisfying.

[6/10 · 25 February 2018]

EMO: THE MUSICAL- 58% What a nice idea of showing teenage drama between an Emo group and a faithful Christian one. It was also quite funny with certain stereotypes of Religious and Emo people. I felt like some characters were not casted properly, the songs were not jaw-dropping, and the story could have ended on a stronger note. Story wise and execution: 25/35 Acting: 11/25 Camera Work: 12/20 Sound: 10/20

The Ritual (I) (2017)

Creepily unique.

[7/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE RITUAL- 74% As I began watching the Ritual, I saw the same similar structure as seen in other "haunted" forests like the blair witch project, or the forest. I was very surprised with the use of a demon "God". They actually portrayed the God as a creature which could be seen with amazing cinematography. It had some symbolic character developments that was really interesting. A good movie. Story wise and execution: 24.4/35 Acting: 13.4/25 Camera Work: 17.8/20 Sound: 18.7/20

Phantom Thread (2017)

Uncanny but amazing.

[9/10 · 25 February 2018]

PHANTOM THREAD- 89% Phantom Thread has a very strange story. Lets get some things straight, the cinematography, the sound, and the acting were ravishing. Daniel Day Lewis is creepily attractive, and Vicky Krieps is surprisingly a wonderful actress. I really liked how individually unique they both were. their personalities were flourishing throughout the movie, and the love between them is also a battle of their personalities. It is hard to breathe at times as the tense chemistry is beyond the roof. Story wise and execution: 26.1/35 Acting: 25/25 Camera Work: 20/20 Sound: 18.1/20

When We First Met (2018)

A cute and entertaining movie.

[7/10 · 25 February 2018]

WHEN WE FIRST MET- 68% The first 45 minutes had my full attention, but the lack of interesting dialogue and chemistry after that was quite diminished. In this movie, there are two girls in this romantic trio. They say its all in the eyes, the love is shown in the eyes. With that being said, he has the perfect look and love enriched eyes with the first girl who he doesn't end up getting, while having a mediocre look to the girl he does end up getting. Thats a drawback with the acting, however, the acting of the cast as a hole was decent and constant throughout. The story is not as original, but quite interesting. Story wise and execution: 24.3/35 Acting: 16.7/25 Camera Work: 14.5/20 Sound: 12.2/20

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Heartwarming Goosebumps with a very small pinch of disappointment.

[8/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN- 82% PROS- Beautiful story line with such inspiring and breathtaking songs that will instantly make your whole body shiver from excitement, A surprising birth of a natural Actress (Keala Settle). Some scenes were the definition of perfection. A beautiful experience. CONS- OVERDONE with some songs that were just too far fetched and not relevant or needed for the scene. Very poor character development with Hugh Jackman. Some very cheesy written scenes. Overall a very good movie which is heavily underrated by film critics. A very important highlight... the scene with the song "Never Enough" is one of the most beautiful experiences visually, emotionally, and mentally. Outstanding scene. Story wise and execution- 25.1/35 Acting: 18.1/25 Camera work- 19/20 Sound: 20/20

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

A disappointing thought-lacking production.

[5/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE COVERFIELD PARADOX- 56% Lets go to the start. (2008)- A very entertaining movie drops out called CLOVERFRIELD which shows an alien monster destroying New York with a hidden mysterious ending of an object falling from the sky in the most discrete way. (2016)- Cloverfield Lane came out which had an amazing story and execution with a few head scratches regarding certain aspects of continuation from the first movie which weren't evident. (2018)- The Cloverfield Paradox gets a release on Netflix which had the most uncanny story structure, and development to a degree that when enlightened of the story.. you just ask yourself WHAT? The ending of this movie supposedly answers the mystery of the first but WHAT? The continuation is horrid. The time period doesn't make sense, the aliens don't look the same in all three movies... The final and only possible solution there is lies with the theory that the Cloverfield franchise is the monster that take over a world set in different dimensions? YES.. exactly my point of complete confusion in a very dissatisfying vibe. OK say thats the case... why didn't you spend three minutes of the movie just making it a little bit clearer? I will not even get to the different aspects of this movie that made 0 sense. The story was weird and not well thought out at all , the acting was good, the sound was meh, and the camera work was decent. Story wise and execution: 11/35 Acting: 20/25 Camera work: 15/20 Sound: 10/20

I Origins (2014)

A beautiful work of ART which could have used a lot more colors.

[6/10 · 25 February 2018]

I ORIGINS- 65% This story is absolutely breathtaking, however, I feel like the story, the structure, and the actors could have done so much more. Story wise and execution: 30/35 Acting: 14.2/25 Camera work: 11.2/20 Sound: 10/20

Still Alice (2014)

A heart-wrecking terrifying experience.

[8/10 · 25 February 2018]

STILL ALICE- 86% This is definitely a movie that will at least make you tear up once throughout. The story is quite upsetting and frightening because of how raw it is. Julianne Moore, as usual, did an amazing performance which really hit me deep. The cinematography was simple yet effective. A very well executed movie. Story wise and execution: 32.2/35 Acting: 24/25 Camera Work: 15/20 Sound: 15/20

Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

Entertaining but definitely disappointing

[5/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE MAZE RUNNER 3- 51% I was very intrigued with the first maze runner which felt raw, real, and extremely creative. The second maze runner gave it a scarier boost with a nice rising action. The third maze runner had a decent climax which got ruined by horrible acting, disastrous music choices, and a disappointing and unrealistic structure. It had the very commercial hollywood twist to it which would easily make it a blockbuster movie loved by kids. With that being said, Film critics and adults would laugh at such a calamity. Story wise and execution: 14.6/35 Acting: 11/25 Camera work: 17.7/20 Sound: 7.8/20

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)

Okay.

[5/10 · 25 February 2018]

THE HITMANS BODYGUARD- 48% Well it was entertaining so I have to give it that. However, absolute typical rubbish regarding the story, Cheap visual effects, annoying acting and screenplay..... Kids will worship it. Adults will love it. Film critics will hate it. Story wise and execution: 11/35 Acting: 11/25 Camera work: 15/20 Sound: 11/20