hossein_ Reviews

Death's Game (2023– )

Some contradictions, but great ideation

[7/10 · 10 March 2024]

Let me first say that I enjoyed watching this series. The ideas used were really pure and well arranged. The fourth and last part was very rich and emotional. However, every great work might have a few bugs that stay with the audience until the end.

The first contradiction that I could not digest was related to the second part. "Death" in the series makes a rule for Yi Jae that if you kill someone, I will intervene. But at the end of the second part, when the character of the killer tries to escape from the truck, several people were actually killed! Why didn't "death" intervene there? Why did the bridge escape scenes look like Indian movies?

It was pretty hard to arrange the bodies in the fourth episode when Geon Woo's character had an accident. (I understand that it is necessary to do this for the limitation of presenting violent scenes, but it would have been much better to satisfy this limitation!) What if the car hit two characters, and then the car came back, with Ji Soo's character beside the wheel? How? No matter how logically we look at this sequence, the mistake cannot be covered.

I won't mention a couple other small things that aren't so unjustifiable. We can't wait for the second season of this series.

Shōgun (2024–2026)

Brilliant but Downwards ...

[8/10 · 28 February 2024]

It has been proven in the past that the high potential of Japanese culture has made its way to the cinema and television of the worlds, and this series has reminded us of this just one more time what this culture has to offer.

I've been waiting to see this series since I saw the trailer, which I think was worth the wait. In the first episode, saplings were planted, but the fruits of those saplings weren't seen in the final episode. At first, the viewer's expectations were very high; As much as the Japanese version of Game of Thrones, but at end it was not like that.

In spite of the fact that media advertisements exceeded our expectations, it was a pleasant experience. Thanks for all.

Orion and the Dark (2024)

Amazing Darkness!

[8/10 · 2 February 2024]

We all have fears that we struggle with throughout our lives. Perhaps the biggest contribution to overcoming these fears was the support of our parents. The things that scared Orion and his narrative were very attractive and made us feel close to him.

But darkness has been the common point of most people at a young age. What we always had in mind from darkness was a scary and emotionless creature with a strange voice. But the story we had here was exactly the opposite of our childhood imagination. Darkness is a reliable, kind and helpful friend.

The border of creativity in the screenplay was not limited to darkness, and the night team of Darkness was really pleasant. This team included everything that happened to us at night and with extremely creative methods, they can make the night painful or relaxing for us. I had a lot of trouble with insomnia :)

This is a movie that appeals to everyone, regardless of age. From the beginning of the story to the end, the audience was accompanied by the story moment by moment, and both adults and children could communicate with it. Thanks for creating a safe space for families to enjoy a movie together.

Migration (I) (2023)

It's family time!

[6/10 · 2 February 2024]

The first thing that needs to be said about the general aspects of this animation is that the poster of this movie contains a lot of plastic yellow ducks, but there was nothing like that in the movie at all. It really puzzled me why they used imaginary stuff.

It was a good anime and conveyed the sense of adventure and fear to the audience. Even for adults, it is worth seeing once. Children can learn about courage and not being afraid of change from it.

Of course, there are a few "wishes" here! I wish the chef would be more specific about what exactly happened, or how Dax attached Delroy's wings to his own, or how the birds broke that strong electronic lock, or how the chef could not hear the sound of the cage falling, or...

Amélie (2001)

Colorful and beautiful details

[8/10 · 10 January 2024]

While Hollywood movies are usually noisy, Amelie is a quiet and simple movie that tells the story of a young and happy girl living her life, but the story was simple enough to appeal to audiences of all genders, ages, and worlds.

Amelie's film is depicted with a childish and rather imaginative look of the main character of the film, and watching it sometimes conveys a feeling of unreality to the audience. 'Amelie' tells a story of kindness in an intimate way. Audrey Tautou's outstanding acting is one of the main factors of the film's success, and the wonderful soundtrack adds to the effect.

The best way to enjoy this movie is to watch it alone without your friends. :)

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023)

An old memory brought back to life

[5/10 · 25 December 2023]

The script of this movie was very predictable from moment to moment and there wasn't anything that would shock you from one frame to the next! Although some of the creativity and ideas we saw in the first part were repeated here, in general, it had little to offer that was different from what was seen in the first part.

I would like to point out that in the first part, there is a more realistic script than the conditions of the time, but in the second part, you see new and advanced technology being defined for a chicken farm, which is really over the top.

As for myself personally, only the memories of twenty years ago came alive for me, but the pleasure I got from that episode was not comparable to the pleasure I got from this part. It may have been my age that played a decisive role here, but neither the script nor the story met my expectations. Thanks for keeping the first part's unique effect!

Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

Revenge does not hesitate 🔥

[9/10 · 5 December 2023]

One thing I'd like to mention is that the writers did a masterpiece. I liked the story from beginning to end because it was full of hidden depths and interesting challenges. In some of the fights, there were fantastic references to movies like Kill Bill that were really unique.

In episode 5, we saw Japanese culture used to its fullest capacity and creativity. Through the nonlinear narrative and flashbacks, the audience was completely immersed in Mizo's character development. It was really wonderful

It wasn't perfect; for example, wound healing periods were really unusual. Even deep wounds that left you unconscious and weak took a few days to heal. A change in volume of the upper body was seen during Mizo nudity, for another example. In addition to a few minor issues...

In any case, watching this anime was very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to future revenge episodes.

The Killer (2023)

Stick to the plan...

[4/10 · 10 November 2023]

It had a really slow rhythm and I didn't think the script was rich at all. The one thing I wanted for David Fincher's film would be that it didn't have any significant differences from other films of the same genre, namely, that the story would focus on an assassin who is looking for revenge. So what? What new did it have to offer?

Okay, this assassin was very sharp, focused, and meticulous, but what exactly did he do? Did he kill people like John Wick 2014? Or did he create that wonderful scene like Nobody 2021 in the bus? Or, for example, like Mechanic 2011, did he have new ideas for his attacks?

There wasn't much to this movie except the director's name. I was really disappointed and hope this great director will do better in the future.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A few confusing moments and timelines

[6/10 · 9 November 2023]

In Oppenheimer, the atmosphere is so confusing and tangled that you can't call it anything but a biographical and visually interesting film creating strange atmospheres rather than studying characters. Nolan loves to play tricks with chronology in his films, but here it's just too disturbing. Too inconsistent. I do not want to waste my time by trying to figure out timelines that are confusing. Finally, there are not enough moments in total to form a coherent story.

This movie had unique editing, pure portraits, audio and video special effects, and gorgeous acting from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.

Sound of Freedom (2023)

Informative and effective

[7/10 · 8 November 2023]

"Sound of Freedom" has problems with characterization and narration, so it can't reach the desired position in terms of cinematography. The biggest problem with the movie is the lack of attention to detail and, obviously, the main character's characterization. A hero who saves hundreds of children's lives after being inspired by a line of dialogue by his colleague. Maybe if the movie had focused on Tim's past and his approaches in his personal life, the sudden changes in his character wouldn't have become a weakness. Also, the film has trouble creating cinematic situations, like the entry of the team among the rebels and the chase, which is done in the simplest way possible, which makes all the talk about how dangerous the rebels are look uninteresting!

No One Will Save You (2023)

Boring and full of unanswered questions!

[3/10 · 7 November 2023]

I usually watch movies with subtitles, but I don't know why I wasted even a second to find subtitles for this movie! It may seem like "this movie has no dialogue!" Which is true, but the main reason I regret it is the vague and confusing plot.

Did I plan on seeing Pat and Matt to figure out what's up???Despite the end of the movie, many questions remained unanswered, and I thought to myself, maybe it's just me! I read other people's comments and reviews, and it seems like this is a common problem! Why did the aliens come? What was their goal? Then why did they leave? Other basic questions ...

Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters: Special 2 (2023) Season 4, Episode 30

It's over! What an amazing journey!

[10/10 · 5 November 2023]

From the beginning of the first episode to the end, it was an incredible journey. In general, it was worth my life to watch this unique anime, and I don't regret it! The bad endings in some leading series have questioned all the previous goodness. But what we saw in this anime was the quality that was expected.

From the very beginning, when we experienced the concept of anger and revenge along with the endless questions about what was going on, we knew there had to be something that could defeat all the adjectives created in the previous episodes. And that was love.

So let's say Shinzou o Sasageyo together!

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Is this a Marvel movie???

[5/10 · 11 October 2023]

I don't get it! Even after being stabbed for twenty minutes, she reached the falling wagon (so no one would notice) and lifted the weight of two people? That's how? Like in Marvel movies, why didn't you give him wings and unlimited power?!

With parachutes, how did he get on a train at that speed? Then he just hit that guy with a gun! Each wagon fell one minute at a time, then the last wagon was suspended for five minutes! Was the resistance of the connections stronger or what? It is not a locomotive that pours coal into the train, but the speed of the train did not slow down a bit! And another bug, how did it come to your mind?

It was really hard for me to like this movie. I used to justify the miracles of Mission Impossible series to myself, but this one was not logical at all. There's probably something wrong with the direction that caused Mission Impossible to lose its line of thought. There is no doubt that Tom Cruise's acting and stunts made for an enjoyable viewing experience. Let's hope the second part is better.

The Nun II (2023)

The beginning is average and the end is acceptable

[5/10 · 3 October 2023]

My biggest issue with both episodes of The Nun was the origin and cause of the story. The Conjuring was good because everything that happened in the main story made sense. However, in this episode, a continuation of the first, the inadequacy of the reasons behind the events of the story bothered the audience. If there was a reason, it was either very superficial or unacceptable.

As we've seen in movies of this genre in the past, because few people were aware of the evil events, a double attraction was formed, but in The NUN, the whole churches of Europe knew about these events and it was as if it was a normal thing at that time.

Compared to the first part, there was a good improvement in the scary and terrifying scenes of the story, but not enough to call it a masterpiece or the best horror movie of the year.

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Finally, he achieved the peace he deserved

[5/10 · 3 October 2023]

Movie series such as Taken, John Wick and... My guess is that most leading action movies work great in the first part of the series, but once the second and third parts come out, they lose an important part of their story quality. The same thing happened with The Equalizer, and the attraction we saw in the first part wasn't there in the second or third. I thought the action scenes were a little exaggerated, but great, and in line with the main character's abilities. The actress who played Emma Collins wasn't up to the level of the movie and ruined a little bit of the action.

Seeing Robert follow him calmly was gratifying.

The Man from Nowhere (2010)

Definitely worth watching!

[7/10 · 29 September 2023]

I'm watching this movie in 2023, whereas I've already seen The John Wick and Nobody (2021), so I think I'd love it more if I'd seen it in 2010. I would find the rhythm of the film acceptable when it comes to fights and chases, but there are some scenes that could have been depicted more violently in the portrayal of them.

The next point is about preserving the culture that dominates South East Asian action movies. In this movie, the elements of Ax and Saturn, chanting, insensitivity to violence, etc. Were used well, which I think makes this movie. It is placed next to prominent films such as The Outlaws and The Chaser.

Past Lives (2023)

Words that are left unsaid

[6/10 · 28 September 2023]

Based on the title of the movie, the main goals of the movie are to draw the viewer into a case that revolves around the Past Lives of the characters in the story. In my opinion, the process of the story was a little slow, but most of this slowness was intentionally included so that the audience would experience the feeling of "I want to say something but I can't". A good example of this is the sequences in the subway, sidewalk, on the bar table, etc. Were necessary for the existence of this film. Although these sequences were enjoyment and spectacular, we should not criticize this film for being a drama genre and expecting excitement from an action movie.

Of course, if we want to judge based on a number, maybe the current rating is more than it should be in reality. The movie was well made, but there were some parts that could be expanded, and not using those capacities caused the audience to feel slow and fatigued.

Hannibal (2001)

I feel sorry for Hannibal's character!

[4/10 · 23 September 2023]

What was the point of the movie? I think Jodie Foster was right to stay away because if the cast was complete, it would damage The Silence of the Lambs more than it is now.

I mean, seeing the whole time of Clarice Starling's dialogue in this movie and its effect on the story, it was disappointing from the beginning to the end. Neither Anthony Hopkins nor Julianne Moore acted poorly, but only a weak script could create that effect.

Hannibal's malice was evident at the end of the film, but there were many unanswered questions. I really want my mental image to be the same as Starling and Hannibal in The Silence of the Lambs.

Brooklyn (2015)

A popular comment: 'Saoirse Ronan is Spectacular'

[8/10 · 23 September 2023]

In terms of the cast, they all delivered outstanding performances. However, Saoirse Ronan's portrayal deserves special mention. Her ability to convey the script's emotions and immerse herself in the characters was truly remarkable. Achieving such a level of acting excellence undoubtedly requires meticulous filming and sharp editing.

As for the movie itself, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It effectively depicted the emotional challenges faced by immigrants, allowing the audience to deeply empathize with their experiences. From the struggles of appeasing their families to the sense of being a foreigner in a new country, these themes were portrayed with authenticity. The film's pacing was serene, and in presenting the characters' dilemmas, it successfully conveyed a sense of uncertainty and concern.

The Nun (2018)

Anyway, the events had to start somewhere!

[4/10 · 23 September 2023]

I think the only reason for making this movie is to show the beginning of the events. It means to know where Taissa and the nun started. Of course, there was a good reference to the Conjuring at the end of the movie, but it wasn't really enough. The entire sequence related to the presence of the nun character was not more than 30 seconds, which means that it was really not possible to give more foliage to the story?

In a clichéd story, the writers tried to write a story around the character of the nun, but in no way could they even come close to the fear that we experienced in The Conjuring.

Twice in the movie, the nun was assumed to be a fool! Does this mean that this character has such low awareness of the environment and the movements of people around her? This one really contradicted the previous series of this movie!

In the end, although I didn't enjoy this movie, but in terms of actors, Taissa Farmiga was really great.

Guy Ritchie's the Covenant (I) (2023)

Jake's acting was spectacular.

[6/10 · 16 September 2023]

Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was truly outstanding, reminiscent of his role in "Nightcrawler" in certain sequences. However, I couldn't help but notice two significant drawbacks in the film:

Firstly, the film's reported budget of approximately 55 million dollars didn't seem fully justified. It appeared that a substantial portion of the film was shot in locations and with personnel that wouldn't typically incur such high costs.

Secondly, a film should strive to present the complete truth rather than just a fraction of it. The history and motivations behind American military operations in Afghanistan are widely known. But were the American soldiers as innocent as the movie portrayed them to be? As someone who has studied this war, I find it difficult to believe that this depiction provides a comprehensive narrative.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

Awesome concept, but the story drags

[5/10 · 15 September 2023]

While I was excited about the concept of this movie, a highly anticipated release among horror genre enthusiasts, I found it to be somewhat underwhelming. Despite a promising start, with the potential for truly terrifying events, the story seemed to lose its momentum as it progressed. It left me wondering why it followed such a repetitive and oscillating pattern throughout.

Even though the film had the opportunity to tap into the fear-inducing elements and the story's potential, it didn't fully capitalize on them. However, it's worth mentioning that the movie managed to redeem itself somewhat towards the end, leaving viewers with some intriguing questions to ponder in the moments after the credits rolled.

In summary, while the initial concept held great promise, I couldn't help but feel disappointed with the overall execution.

24: Live Another Day (2014)

Should we bid farewell or not?

[7/10 · 14 September 2023]

This mini-series effectively captured the essence of the original series, and I find myself wishing it had continued for one or two more episodes. It's challenging to condense the intensity of episode 11 of this mini-series into the span of eight seasons of the original series.

Unfortunately, like the original series, some aspects remained unbelievably repetitive. It seems the writers have a fixation on the concept of "betrayal within the US intelligence agency" that keeps them awake at night! Additionally, when Jack develops an interest in any woman, it's almost a guarantee that her days are numbered.

One particularly peculiar scene was the drone chase involving Simone Al-Harazi. It's baffling how a drone that had just moments earlier caused significant damage to a hospital with one of its missiles suddenly displayed the power of a water cannon when firing a missile in the hospital parking lot, especially with Jack Bauer standing only a few meters away from the impact zone.

All in all, it's a wrap! Here's hoping Jack finally finds some peace.

24 (2001–2010)

It was just decent!

[7/10 · 14 September 2023]

We often criticize Indian cinema for its exaggerated scenes, but this series took it to a whole new level with its implausible and unbelievable moments. These issues were particularly evident in the timing of events, the sequence of actions, and some of the characters' miraculous recoveries from injuries.

One peculiar aspect that stood out to me was the lack of attention to sleep. Throughout the series, we never saw Jack Bauer or any of the main characters taking a moment to rest, sleep, or even struggle with insomnia. It seemed like they ran on an endless supply of coffee, pills, or some mysterious energy source.

The first and second seasons showcased excellent writing and captivating storylines. However, as the series progressed from the third season onward, I noticed repetitive elements being used excessively. The infiltration of CTU by Nina Myers was a significant plot twist initially, but it became a formulaic device reused every season, including in the miniseries "Live Another Day." This theme of betrayal extended beyond just the security organization; even within the White House, traitors seemed to operate with ease, with the President himself being revealed as a double agent twice. It would have been more intriguing to explore other facets of conflict and danger, rather than relying on this same trope repeatedly.

Several events in the series remain incomprehensible to me. For example, President Charles Logan's betrayal seemed unjustified when considering the events from the beginning of the series. Similarly, the attack on the White House by tourists left me puzzled about its beginnings and resolution. The whole storyline of Jack being captured by the Chinese, his eventual return, and his immediate readiness for action lacked a logical or scientific basis, leaving me scratching my head.

Despite these flaws, I did find enjoyment in watching the series. Creating such a vast number of episodes with this level of writing and a multitude of intriguing events is undoubtedly a commendable feat. "24" serves as a true reflection of the action genre and sets a suitable standard for creators within this genre.

A heartfelt thank you to the actors of the series, and especially to Jack Bauer!

The French Dispatch (2021)

I believe in Wes Anderson's Direction

[5/10 · 30 August 2023]

There is no doubt that Wes Anderson is one of the most creative film directors, but he really failed to use his writing skills in some of his works. For example, you cannot feel the depth of his writing that existed in Fantastic Mr Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel in Asteroid City or French Dispatch.

Wes Anderson's films have unique colors and fantasy atmosphere composition, and this is enough for these films to be considered masterpieces. The problem for an audience like me is that I know what Wes Anderson is capable of and I have seen some of his masterpieces, but he has not been able to repeat the level of the movies he has made in the past.

French dispatch, along with Asteroid City, despite having big names in the cast list, could not meet my expectations in the story of its movie.