imranahmedsg Reviews

Walking Tall (2004)

Easy watching, feel good film

[6/10 · 28 April 2024]

An easy to watch feel good film stated to be based on a true story.

An ex-special forces soldier returns to his hometown to find it has been overrun by bad guys operating a casino. In turn, the casino is a front for selling drugs. Consequently, the entire town is owned by the casino owner and his cronies.

The soldier, unhappy about the state of his town, decides to run for sheriff and clean up the town. Though this puts his family in danger, Sheriff Vaughn and his (former convicted felon) deputy are undeterred in their quest to reclaim the town for the food guys.

A few gunfights and some action packed scenes later - after the film's star is the Rock - you can guess what happens.

An easy film to watch to pass the time. And short too, less than an hour and twenty minutes excluding the credits.

Black Sheep (I) (2016)

Decent Indie World War 2 film

[6/10 · 16 April 2024]

This is a short film of less than an hour which I watched on YouTube. Much of the dialogue is in German but there are English subtitles.

Prima facie, the film depicts the activities of a German military unit fighting Yugoslavian resistance forces. However, the emotions of the young men involved in carrying out military operations are the focus of the film. The film depicts these emotions in a rather obvious 'in your face' manner but then there's nothing subtle about war.

The acting is acceptable - not Oscar winning stuff - but the settings are realistic. The camera work is intended to invoke the intense action of war but the motion and jerking goes to far at times.

A decent, short World War 2 film depicting the cost of war on young humans forced to fight each other in settings far removed from War Cabinet grand strategy rooms.

Wil (2023)

Surviving a brutal war

[7/10 · 8 February 2024]

During war and conflict survival trumps all else. There are different ways to survive for ordinary civilians.

However, as a police officer in German occupied Antwerp, Belgium Wil's options are limited. Does he collaborate and watch other civilians die brutally at the hands of the German Gestapo? Does he join the resistance and fight the German occupation?

There are no easy answers in this - or in life. Sometimes it even becomes hard - or impossible - to change course midstream in the extreme circumstances precipated by war.

As a movie, Wil adroitly puts on screen the complexities of life and the choices required to survive during wartime. The film is well acted, realistic though slow - hence the seven stars.

Gangs of Oslo (2023– )

Billed as crime but also a social drama

[7/10 · 10 January 2024]

It's tough being an immigrant - even second generation - in European society. The Gangs of Oslo suggests exactly that. Even gifted kids with a bright future find themselves caught up in an environment which makes 'escape' into 'normal' society difficult.

The show revolves around a Pakistani immigrant police officer who can't shake off his childhood friendship with a present day gang leader. Despite his best effort the officer, Moaz, is caught up in the crime nexus.

As the series develops, flashbacks provide more context as does the predicament of a young 'runner' for the gang.

Ultimately, after some unexpected twists and tirndsy, there's a conclusion to the contradictions ... You'll have to watch to get the details!

Falling Out (1967)

Nice insights into 1960s post war Japan 🇯🇵🎌

[7/10 · 27 December 2023]

Nice, period piece set in late 1960s Japan. A story which provides insights into the era and a Japan still in the throes of reconstruction after World War Two.

A Yakuza group is disbanded and many of the group's members take to 'dishonorable' crime activities.

Enter the hero and main character after an eight year stint in jail. He tries to set things right but he's clearly swimming against the tide in new, capitalist Japan.

There are several subplots, including one involving the hero's love interest. An additional subplot revolves around the hero's family members and former Yakuza members who participate in the new Japan economy in various ways - including as CEOs of construction companies.

A good movie symbolically depicting the death of traditional Japan and the rise of a new, post war Japan.

Informa (2023– )

Short episodes, easy to watch but iffy plot!

[6/10 · 14 December 2023]

Short episodes with lots of fighting action. The plot is convoluted but that's doesn't seem to be the point of the show.

The action revolves around a former Yakuza member attempting to seek revenge for the killing of his close friend. Additional murders, including of politicians, muddy the waters and get the police involved too.

There are females and softer moments too. Indeed, some of the episodes can even be labelled sad!

The show shines a light on police corruption as well as the nexus between politicians and crime bosses in Japan. The relationship does seem cozy - though this is a television show and not reality.

With each episode at around 25 minutes, Informa is an easy watch if you don't have expectations of watching a drama.

The Continental (2023)

Great soundtrack; gratuitous violence

[6/10 · 3 December 2023]

Lots - and I mean lots - of violence! But perhaps I'm used to films in which violence serves a purpose. Then again, The Continental is a prequel to the John Wick shows so violence is to be expected.

Forget the violence and focus on the soundtrack! Great choice of songs from the seventies - am I showing my age! - with epic classics from bands like Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd among others.

The series itself is watchable, especially if you like gratuitous violence (did I already mention that??!!). The plot storyline is acceptable and it uses the setting of New York in the late 1970s well to its advantage.

Watchable show but doesn't deserve the seven plus stars it currently has ... Though it's good to see Mel Gibson back in action.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)

Confusing, slow with mediocre acting

[5/10 · 21 November 2023]

I'm not sure how I got through the entire season but I did. Other viewers need not make the same mistake.

There was nothing scary about the show. The acting was mediocre and the storyline hard to follow.

Characters kept dying. Before dying they were sleeping with each other. There were hints of conspiracy involving minor characters but it was still hard to keep the viewer's interest.

(I repeat, I'm not sure why or how I got through all episodes. To my credit, it did take several months so spared myself long term excruciating pain!)

It was all overwhelmingly confusing. Stick with the movie and let's be grateful the show was cancelled after this one season.

Je Suis Karl (2021)

Slow moving but great story

[7/10 · 10 January 2023]

Je Suis Karl may be cliched in many respects but the movie does represent the chaos, confusion and resultant dangers of our times.

A scared, young survivor of an attack becomes another victim of a radical, extremist group plotting to shift opinion through the savvy use of social media.

For some, the film will be an eye opener about the lengths to which some groups are willing - and able - to go to further their political agendas.

Je Suis Karl is a believable story set in the backdrop of the political polarization found not only in Europe but across many parts of the world.

The movie may move slowly initially but the story picks up pace as the plot unfolds. A worthwhile film for the politically inclined film goer.

La Révolution (2020)

A zombie tale with a (Marxist?!) revolutionary twist

[6/10 · 8 January 2023]

The cinematography was great the story less so. Alright, La Revolution was good enough to watch and had its moments.

An old fashioned tale of rich vs poor; haves vs have nots leading to a (proletariat) revolution. A romanticized rehash of the French revolution, ie liberty, equality and brotherhood.

In between, however, the story has its fantastical moments consisting of flesh eating zombies, blue bloods (royalty?!) and those rich haves with a conscience who now support the underdog have nots.

An acceptable television series for those who enjoy fantasy / zombie shows but require a stronger plot than simply zombie killing.

A symbolic show on many levels - yup, even zombie shows can be intellectual in content! - if you have the time and patience to sit through all episodes.

Showdown at Boot Hill (1958)

If you like Western movies

[6/10 · 18 November 2022]

If you like Western movies then Showdown at Boot Hill will not disappoint.

Yup, it's an old fashioned plot with the usual ingredients of gunfights, good guys, bad guys, sheriff and a love interest (no Indians here though!). That makes the movie predictable but then it was made in 1958, right?

The acting is above average with Charles Bronson delivering on his role. That the movie was filmed in black and white makes events a little more dramatic.

Ok, so it's an old film with a plot typical of its time. Nonetheless, if you enjoy the Western film genre then you can do a lot worse than the short (less than 80 minutes) Showdown at Boot Hill!

News of the World (2020)

Wonderful, heart tugging Western

[8/10 · 25 October 2022]

Not a traditional Western of the cowboys and Indians sort produced some decades ago. Instead, the cowboys and Indians come wrapped as humans with feelings, emotions and the stuff of life to which we are all used.

News of the World is a beautiful story of affection developing between Captain Kidd - Tom Hanks - and a young 'Kiowa' Indian girl. Helena Zengel delivers a stellar performance as Johanna, the young Kiowa child.

To be sure, there are gunfights and tense moments as with any Western film. Nonetheless, the movie is more about a slow burn relationship between the two main characters and not about delivering excitement through gunfights.

A thoroughly enjoyable film which has broad appeal well beyond lovers of the Western movie genre.

Skyggen i mit øje (2021)

Tragic story but poor film

[6/10 · 7 August 2022]

The film is overly dramatic and painfully slow. Undoubtedly, the incident is tragic and deserves a sober telling.

Movies, however, are not the right medium for retelling history. The Bombardment reconfirms the inability of films to narrate such historic tales in a manner which does justice to both the viewer and the filmmaker.

Booty Call (1997)

Brain dead humor of past decades

[5/10 · 6 August 2022]

Barely funny and loaded with politically incorrect stereotyped humor. A film Jamie Foxx probably tries to forget .... Watch if you have absolutely nothing else to watch or you are researching Jamie Foxx's career!

The Italian Job (1969)

Feels dated

[6/10 · 16 May 2022]

Decent film with lots of car racing action but it does feel dated given the sorts of 'Fast and Furious' contemporary car films being produced nowadays.

Nonetheless, film afficiniados will enjoy the experience.

Black Crab (2022)

Russia invades Sweden?

[6/10 · 8 May 2022]

Alright, so that's not exactly what's depicted in the movie. Nonetheless, the war depicts Sweden being overrun by a larger invading nation.

The war effort is doomed unless a small group of soldiers can deliver a mysterious package to a base after a treacherous journey - on ice skates! - through enemy territory.

Lots of holes in the plot but there are some decent moments even if the film could be fifteen minutes shorter.

Windfall (2022)

Modern existentialist film

[7/10 · 7 May 2022]

The movie starts slowly but the pace quickens as the plot unfolds. It's a story Sartre or Camus would love. It is what it is and life is absurd and random.

A cerebral film with little or no action. For those who enjoy some mental stimulation.

Gringo (2018)

Light, entertaining crime comedy

[7/10 · 4 May 2022]

A light and entertaining film. Not much to think about even though there are several subplots at play. They are rounded off nicely by the conclusion and come with the occasional comic act.

A nice, entertaining dark comedy.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

Gore and mayhem!

[5/10 · 30 April 2022]

If you want to see blood, gore and mayhem with not much of a plot.

The movie has its 2022 moments - everyone takes out their phone to start filming the killer - but a basic blood and guts film with the odd moment of excitement.

Prisoners (2013)

Great film - despite the length

[7/10 · 29 April 2022]

The film moves slowly but keeps the viewer engaged. The viewer is kept guessing as the plot unfolds.

If the film moved faster it would have warranted an 8/10 rating.

The Open House (2018)

Cheated by the ending!

[4/10 · 21 April 2022]

Movie starts like a standard horror with the usual elements. Continues similarly until a very unsatisfying end.

The story is NOT pulled together by the end. There are better horror movies out there if you want have yourself a more satisfying scare!

Sharie Hayfa (2019)

Social studies movie!

[6/10 · 26 February 2022]

Only watch if you wish to understand the impact of war on life in Iraq. The movie highlights the nature of militia warlordism and the pervasive lawlessness brought about by war. Moreover, the inordinate impact this has on vulnerable segments of society, e g. Women and the poor.

Nothing great about the movie other than a reflection of war torn Iraq.

Restless (2022)

Watchable ... Not great

[6/10 · 25 February 2022]

A decent French police action film. The film has its moments of nail biting excitement along with action scenes. There is even the odd plot twist from time to time.

To be sure, it's not a top notch film. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a passable action film to while away a couple of hours then Restless fits the bill.

Elves (2021)

Juvenile but fun show!

[7/10 · 20 February 2022]

Elves replace zombies in this Danish childish thriller. Childish perhaps but good fun for adults too.

The plot revolves around a family visiting a remote Danish island inhabited by meat eating elves. The adventures of the young daughter starts a series of unfortunate events and .. you'll have to watch it to know the rest!

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan (2021– )

Binge watchable history - simplified and glossy

[9/10 · 3 February 2022]

Samurais and ninjas: whi is not fascinated by that headline?

Well, they play a more significant role in Japan's history than Hollywood would have us believe. Some would argue the Samurai shaped modern Japan's in many ways.

This docuseries covers about 150 years of Japanese history (1550 - 1700). It provides a simple, glossy version of how three rulers (Nabunaga, Hideyoshi and Tokugawa) rose to power, including the many internecine power struggles and battles fought along the way.

Surely, a history textbook will provide more color and nuance but in today's 'instant gratification' culture this docuseries does the trick. The series contains six episodes with each episode a bite sized 40+ minutes.

The film makers did a great job in maintaining interest ... So much so that I finished watching all six episodes in one day!