timurtaimur Reviews

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Great film, almost perfect

[7/10 · 26 July 2023]

There is much to be liked here and there are some incredible performances, especially from Murphy and Robert Downey Junior. Remar was a welcome addition and, despite his short appearance, brought a charm to the movie none of the others could do in all their screen time.

All in all, the casting was great. The location scouting and cinematography too. Much of the movie was well composed of emotionally charged takes with some subtle inputs by the DOP and director.

Where the film lacked was its on the nose quote "I have become death..." which everyone knows and due to its notoriety, could have been omitted from the final cut considering it isn't something everyone needs to be reminded of. These small additions let the movie down.

It is apparent Nolan was attempting an artistic insertion, but not well pulled off and came across rather eye rolling, such as the sex sequence in the panel room, the emulation of a nuclear blast in the room too later on.

But all in all, it's a great movie that is a must see. Though I can't imagine anyone watching it more than twice. Once in the cinema, once at home.

Ghost Adventures: Lake of Death (2023) Season 24, Episode 1

Pretty good episode, not sure what the fuss is about

[9/10 · 21 June 2023]

Strange lights, shadows and apparitions. What more can you ask for from a Ghost Adventures episode.

All the same gear is utilised, the atmosphere new is great and the crew are on full alert. Much of the dislike for this episode seems to originate from online posts but there doesn't seem to be much different from other episodes.

My only qualm would be that it would be nice to see a live episode and perhaps a follow up in the future. A little more of. A deep dive into the history would be helpful and more utilisation of the infrared cameras and spirit box. But, it is what it is and I'd like to see more clarity in the night vision filming.

The Old Man (2022– )

Mythologies and personal histories explored

[8/10 · 18 May 2023]

Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow are phenomenal actors, but to put them both into a pot of action and spy hunting is all the while worth watching.

The direction and casting is magnificent and the dialogue, enchanting. At times, nothing is said which speaks volumes and the colour tones and hues used within it, spell out an engaging watch.

The atmosphere can be likened to a lighter 'No country for old men', and the story unfamiliar though it certainly does feel so, which makes it a solid watch.

Though, the action isn't a continuous ride, which makes when it happens a thrilling experience and a series for those with a good attention span. I can't wait for season 2.

Midsommar (2019)

Terribly awful, awfully terrible

[3/10 · 18 May 2023]

There isn't anyway to put into words how I feel about this movie, although the rating of 3 is a start.

Nothing about the movie was unsettling nor horrifying except the fact that it was kickstarted into production. It was a close copy of several other movies, with its aesthetic being the real pull. Though, aside from that, there isn't anything to write home about except it's wooden acting, lacklustre compositions and banal direction.

The screenplay could have done with several treatments before it was allowed to progress as it had nothing to say at all.

Don't waste your time or money on such a vapid experience.

The Mandalorian (2019– )

First two seasons were great. The third was hit and miss

[8/10 · 2 May 2023]

This is a phenomenal sci-if western at a push with some incredible Star Wars action and keeping in tune with the universe.

Pedro Pascal is an excellent choice and the action, stories and direction are first rate. One thing I love about this show is that the producers are happy to retain animatronics, puppetry and practical effects with minimal CGI.

I thought the casting for the non helmet wearing mandalorians was poor. They all came across like amateur dramatics and the extras in the show (which are equally as important for atmosphere), were poorly cast. The first and second seasons are amazing but the third was a lacklustre effort with jumping storylines and sometimes appearances that didn't need to happen.

I hope they cast their extras better and the story gets the treatment the first two seasons got.

Get Out (I) (2017)

Good movie with great composition and direction

[6/10 · 5 November 2022]

I don't think this should be classed as a horror, more a drama/thriller. Peterson is a good director, though the prestige this movie is known for is rather deflating when you watch it.

The story itself is good, but not amazing. The sentiment itself I have experienced numerous times but the point it is trying to achieve would be better served without attempting to parade itself as a horror, when it is clear this is not. It only contains elements of the sort.

There are some great compositional traits within the movie, and the cinematographer should be commended for his attention to detail and lighting.

Where Peterson goes wrong in this movie is that his style is more suited to action, but here, it is applied to a very different genre which is where it fails to render its core message. It is a great idea, just falls short for the most part. He has got the the best out of his actors and pulls off some stunning shots, but there is a lot missing here. Enjoyable, but not phenomenal. Watching this without an entire Peterson fan club shouting in your ear is the key to having an unbiased opinion of it.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Have finished watching this - awful

[1/10 · 9 September 2022]

It's just not executed well. Incredible plot holes, a lack of continuity, poor day time lighting and overall just poor poor acting and direction. I had high hopes for this, but they were dashed and quickly.

Save yourself some time and watch another show because there is no option to enjoy something where the producers believed they could make this a smash hit by just pouring money into it.

There's no feeling, no sign of epic ideas or atmosphere and the storyline just makes no sense.

The protagonist- Galadriel, just comes across as a toxic person, entitled and fails to inspire the viewer.

Amazon should put their money into something else instead of season 2. Yeah, believe it or not, there's a season 2 coming. More tragedy for your prime subscription and the value it once held.

The Sopranos (1999–2007)

Funny, poignant and entertaining all at the same time

[9/10 · 6 September 2022]

When I finished the Sopranos I understood why it was so well loved and talked about. When it came out, I wasn't so interested in it. But now, most shows are so poor I have started to go back in time to see what I can find. The Sopranos filled that void, so much so that I am considering rewatching it to see what I missed.

You have to watch and listen carefully to each episode and every part of the dialogue to ensure you understand where the story is going. From start to finish, each episode influences the next and no lines are forgotten as they add to the weight of what is to come.

The Sopranos is in my top 5 tv shows.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022– )

Lots to enjoy but more to dislike

[1/10 · 3 September 2022]

Currently, there isn't much to enjoy here and though the directors have attempted to emulate the movies (which is clear to see for all), they have overdone it with the dialogue without providing much substance.

Dialogue within the series lacks rich ideas and it's sense of adventurism is tied up often in an over poetic substrata.

The CGI was acceptable in some parts though mostly transparent. For example, using CGI rats instead of the real thing was lazy and tacky.

Whatever this series is based on is clearly non existent because the direction and the ideas laid do not seek a sense of Tolkien atmosphere. The casting is good, though sometimes, they should have rethought who they employ. Lenny Henry was pretty decent but the rest need to be rethought for the most part.

I'm wondering what the billion was spent on. Hopefully we see more of that later on. But for now, it's not looking good.

If you're creating a sense of fantasy, you still need to make it realistic in the sense of the world it is built in. And that hasn't happened.

This show looks more fan fiction than official.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

Non stop silliness which cheers a person up

[5/10 · 16 August 2022]

Very funny toilet and slapstick comedy. It's not a masterpiece but it will cheer one up.

Tom Green is truly in his element and some funny gags bring the character he is trying to portray.

Alien vs. Predator (2004)

It's ok. Though a little cheese which is expected

[5/10 · 8 August 2022]

Predator movies are meant to teeter in the edge of cheese and action. After all, it began with Schwarzenegger.

However, the Alien franchise is meant to be more punishing and dramatic, sequestering elements of horror with psychology (at least that's what the our much loved Alien beginnings taught us).

However, here, we're offered a mish mash of overload cheese and a partnership with a human?

It's a really average film, that's all.

Predator (1987)

An inspiring legacy of explosions and action

[8/10 · 7 August 2022]

This movie solidified Arnie's rise as an action movie star.

Predator & Predator 2 still cannot be topped with it's real world explosions, gun fire and stunts which would today be replaced with a low quality, lazy and low effort (dare I say, tacky) CGI.

It is a classic movie that should be left alone until studios can learn that rush jobs will never replicate what this cinema classic did through care and time taken.

Predator 2 (1990)

A masterclass in a sophomore Predator movie

[8/10 · 7 August 2022]

A retrospective view of this movie.

For sci-fi fans - 8/10 Anyone else - 6/10

Predator 2 has long been an under-appreciated sequel to a masterclass in action. It follows the tone of the original movie and the chemistry and formula that made the first installment a much loved classic.

Danny Glover is a first class choice as the Predator's adversarial opponent. The movie follows his investigative spirit in contrast to Schwarzenegger's military instinct. The action is second only to the first movie but offers a different tone to the first with a exploration of a city based story with locations we're all familiar with.

Prey (I) (2022)

Incredibly poor script and acting

[2/10 · 7 August 2022]

This movie would have been better if several things had changed in it. One of which is less screen time for Predator. Predator works best when there is an air of mystery to it and portrayed in small quantities to enhance its screen presence.

1. Poor CGI:

• The CGI is of an extremely low quality, lacking texture, definition or character. Predator movies do not need animals in them.

• If you can't get it right don't do it.

• Too much use of CGI animals

• The CGI will remove you from the movie as it is instantly recognisable that someone with poor skill produced it. CGI has only ever been created well on a few occasions because time was dedicated to it.

But here, it feels like it was completed in an hour and the terrible graphics will make your eyes roll.

2. Terrible acting:

• watch for yourself

3. Poor script:

• There is a severe lack of decent writers in Hollywood, which shows on screen. Predator could have been reimagined several ways and this story was mistreated.

Bullet Train (2022)

Great movie! If you subscribe to Netflix this is not for you

[7/10 · 5 August 2022]

Being 2 hours long, anyone who subscribes to Netflix and binge watches TV shows without question will find this to be not their thing. You will need an attention span not suited to streaming services and social media addicts.

This movie is a fun experience. There is nothing particularly needed to enjoy it other than to bring yourself along. There's no complexity to the script and its simplicity offers something for everyone.

Brad Pitt shows his range in comedy and is able to pinpoint the atmosphere of the story within his performance. This is not a movie to be taken seriously. It's intended as a movie to be enjoyed by all and that is exactly what you get.

American Sniper (2014)

Gleaning the mind of a right winger

[1/10 · 31 July 2022]

This movie is pure propaganda and although made very well, it was an insight into the mind of both Eastwood and Bradley Cooper.

There was little attempt to correct the sprawling use of prejudice language such as "sand n**ger" nor movement to offer clarity over the clear violation of identity and the circumstances of Iraqi's caught in the crossfire of a war they did not want.

I felt Eastwood would possibly install a declaration that he does not feel the way his characters come across on screen during the credits, but that was a simple ask he decided to evade.

Devdas (I) (2002)

Incredible set building, atmosphere and dialogue for all

[9/10 · 25 July 2022]

It's rare that a movie provides something for everyone and Devdas is just that.

I don't speak the lingo, neither does my family yet we all enjoyed the grandeur of the sets, the costumes and relationships between the characters. The complexities of each person and the frailties of the human character are all on show for all to see, complete with easy to follow dialogue and character building that helps you connect in the simplest of fashions.

From the choreography, the music, set design and costumes - there is an air of intrigue no matter who you are.

It's a movie that everyone can watch without having to worry that they won't be interested. Because from the start, it offers something for all to be interested in.

Conjuring Kesha (2022– )

Awful, just awful

[1/10 · 15 July 2022]

Kesha already had a bad catalogue of work. She has now added to it with a terrible outing as something she is not accustomed to and should have stayed well away. Discovery + should keep celebrities away from cheap thrills like this. Just stick to your best IPs please.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

An overplayed hand only wins so many times

[1/10 · 15 July 2022]

This is now a tired franchise with this latest instalment being the smoking gun that reveals Taika Waititi as a terrible director.

Thor needs to cease production and Marvel needs a complete reboot.

Don't waste your time watching this.

Turning Red (2022)

A fun watch until the end

[7/10 · 26 June 2022]

I watched this with my daughter and she is of the persuasion that most movies are rushed and boring. This kept her concentration for a while and without the added pressure to enjoy something she had fun. As did I.

It's a good story, though could have been polished a little better as it dulls down in parts but overall you can't go wrong. It's a Disney film that rekindles Disney moments unlike it's more recent IPs.

Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

For kids and people who don't know any better

[1/10 · 26 June 2022]

Ughhh! A big sigh is what could sum up not just this movie but the entire franchise. And the fact they keep putting Chris Pratt back into movies is an irritatingly brainless choice.

Ms. Marvel: Destined (2022) Season 1, Episode 3

This show is now insulting

[1/10 · 23 June 2022]

To trivialise our beliefs is incredibly disrespectful and to not even research the religion is another thing.

They came to offer representation which started off badly, and went from bad to horrendous. I can't watch this anymore.

Ms. Marvel: Crushed (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

More stereotyping and weird choices

[1/10 · 23 June 2022]

I asked some friends about conditions in segregated Masjids and I haven't heard any complaints about them yet. However, not all Masjids are segregated, it depends on where you go.

"I know how weird your mum gets about tampons" who on earth thought that would be a good line to include? This show is doing its best to stereotype south Asians like other movies/tv series, just in a different way.

Are we just picking out all the bad things about Pakistani culture and making people believe it's an Islamic way of thinking? Culture and religion are different, but Ms Marvel are doing a good job of making sure people don't know that.

Spider-Man (2002)

An incredible Spider-Man with spirit

[8/10 · 19 June 2022]

Character development, action, intrigue and suspense are all here on exhibition.

Aside from some poor CGI in very few places, it works well for the most part. The direction, acting overshadow much of it and prolong investment in Peter Parker and both his misadventures and adventures.

Though Mary Jane could have been more likeable, I can't fault the effort and sequencing put into much of the cast/characters.

Willem Dafoe is an excellent choice as the Green Goblin producing some memorable lines still used today. And of course Spiderman is very true to the comics providing his cheeky gags and punchlines which are intrinsic to the Spiderman character.

A must watch and second best Spiderman movie out there second only to it's sequel.

Mr. Nice (2010)

A fun watch and interesting portrayal

[6/10 · 19 June 2022]

'Mr Nice' is a well known figure and this biographical retelling from his autobiography is both an electrifying and funny performance by Rhys Ifans coupled with an engaging storyline.

Though not all characters are memorable, Ifans provides a stellar performance that supports the movie without them.