shahrad

IMDb member since August 2000
    Lifetime Total
    150+
    IMDb Member
    23 years

Reviews

Road House
(2024)

Road Warriors
Much more than I've bargained for. I haven't seen the original one with Patrick Swayze though but this one was surprisingly good. So entertaining right from the start. Somehow paid homage to 80s fight-action movies. Top-notch directing and editing. To me, it's the best Doug Lieman so far. The Metallica's Enter Sandman tune was so rewarding at the end. You could feel the 80s references and vibes in ever corner of the film. Just sat for it out of the blue and turned out to stay at edge of my seat for two hours. Jake did a descent performance too. Unlike many recent movies, it's not pretentious at all, just does what it's meant to do.

La sociedad de la nieve
(2023)

The Triumph of the Will...
Hell yeah! That's what I call true cinema. A decent start, a very satisfactory ending and a gripping story in between. A retelling of the true incidents following a plane crash in the Andes back in 1972 and the ordeal that its survivors went through. An examination of human limits at its finest. Frank Marshall's early 90s adaptation of the same book, Alive, was very good too but this one tops them all. Almost two hours and a half, one location in the middle of nowhere and you can't even blink. With its flawless production, Society of Snow could be a great contender to win the best foreign language film in this year's Academy Awards ceremony.

Two thumbs up!

Before I Wake
(2016)

The interpretation of dreams...!
Maybe because I took it personally, maybe because I also dreamed of a Canker man, I so much loved this movie. A great Freudian psychological thriller revolving around a gifted young boy whose dreams literally comes true, as well as his nightmares. Well, there are some plot holes indeed and it could have been definitely much better to me, even a masterpiece. Yet, it cleverly deals with childhood traumas, Oedipus complex, parenthood and interpretation of dreams.

A great metaphor of how our minds deal with traumas. Not gonna spoil it but imagine if people could see the manifestation of our dreams. And that's the only Achilles point of this movie. You'll understand what I mean when you watch it. A great recommendation though!

Foe
(2023)

Never confuse friends from foes...
I'm just wondering, how come there are so many junk movies with higher rates out there and this gem gets almost 5? You must be kidding me. Foe is one of the most touching films I've ever seen. So gripping you can barely take your eyes off of it. Amazing story, great actings, spectacular scenery, compelling shots, haunting music and all and all makes it one of the best sci-fi movies in a while. Saoirse Ronan is at her best. FOE is a startling movie about the meaningless positions of humanity in universe. A philosophical approach to the hollowness of existence. A glimpse into the future, and the horrifying incidents that await us. It's just a matter of time.

Just loved it!

1922
(2017)

Rolling into the deep!
One of the most slow-paced yet engaging films I've seen in a while. Originally made for TV, 1922 deals with the real horror anyone could experience in their lifetime. The aftermath of malevolent deeds or sinister decisions, which turn your life into a living hell. Based upon a short story by the master of horror, Stephen King, 1922 is a psychological thriller revolving around a rustic family being haunted by greed, misdemeanors and rats, rolling into decay once the husband kills his wife with the aid of his son right after she inherits a great fortune.

I haven't read the actual story but I'm confident this is one of the best adaptations of his works. A must see!

Napoleon
(2023)

Only impossible is impossible...
First things first, we must wait for the director's cut version which is said to be more than four hours. For I believe it could be the reason of some inconsistency of the storyline in the first half of the film. Nonetheless, Napoleon is visually stunning filled with breathtaking shots, amazing cinematography, spectacular battle scenes, some great score, compelling performance by Joaquin Phoenix and of course remarkable direction of Ridley Scott which can eventually bring him an Oscar next year. Vanessa Kirby was acceptable too as the empress Josephine. However, I believe there would be a huge difference between the theatrical version and the director's cut and accordingly require different rates. 7/10 so far!

Thanksgiving
(2023)

Thank you for the music...
I was so hesitant to warch it, that's why I went for it on its third day of release, otherwise I would been the first in line on its premiere. And to be honest, It was just a torture watching Hostel and Cabin Fever. But surprisingly it's one of the best horror movies of 2023 and the best of Eli Roth so far. Damn, it was unbelievably good. Not pretentious at all, very simple premise, somehow a stereotype but so original in its own way. Solid script, great actings from some newcomers, magnificent shots and a surprisingly great direction of Eli Roth. To me, it's a new beginning for Eli and a requiem for movies like Scream!

A totally fresh breath to slasher genre!

Killers of the Flower Moon
(2023)

Oklahoma confidential
The return of true cinema. An outstanding piece of art after a long time. The old Master rocks again. Almost four hour, a bit slow, yet you can't take your eyes off of it. Rodrigo Pieto painted the big screen with his camera. Top notch actings, solid script, compelling shots, Masterful direction, a very touching ending and all and all will pave the way for Killers of the Flower Moon on the road to the Oscar. It tells the true story about the first official case of FBI revolving the mysterious serial murders of Indian members of Osage tribe back in early 1920s in Oklahoma and the scandal that follows.

9/10 definitely.

The Exorcist: Believer
(2023)

Much more than I bargained for...
So much better than expected. After reading all the bad reviews I was hesitant to go for it, but watching it in IMAX theater was a roller coaster with all those mind blowing visual and sound effects. The story was descent too, somehow paying homage to the original in a good way. Some people pointed that out against the film but I was totally ok with that. My only complaints is about the last 10 seconds of the film. It was truly unnecessary. Just cut it out and it would be complete. And finally, a very clever use of Mike Oldfield's timeless tune, right time, right amount. It poses as a great sequel to me and worth a watch.

Saw X
(2023)

Never, ever mess with Jigsaw...
Extremely violent but the best part in a while and after so many awful sequels. The first half of the film rocks. Personally, I love the first two episodes and Saw X could easily rise up to my third best. You delve more into Jigsaw's personality, like a character study, more psychological, more humane, more emotional and more sympathizing. Some very unrealistic and shallow moments though, but after a bunch of unnecessary follow-ups, this one could easily stand among the best. And again, lots of loosen flesh, gallons of blood, tons of grisly deaths and of course plenty of traps. A tribute to original story!

A Haunting in Venice
(2023)

Seeing is believing...
A total disappointment. I didn't have high expectations though but it was way more worse than I thought. Disoriented script, bad actings, poor direction, no suspense at all which is usually inherent to Poirot stories and very predictable. The only thing that kept me to my seat till the end was the great take on superstition, the fraudulent approach of all so-called mediums and their tricks to manipulate those in pain.

I always admire movies which deal with ignorant people who fall short into the trap of these charlatans. That there's always a rational explanation for a bizarre occurrence. Nevertheless, it had nothing to do with Kenneth Branagh but the clever story of Aghatha Christie.

And to me, Knives Out still stands out among the recent detective movies.

The Boogeyman
(2023)

Don't be afraid of the dark...
A good one after a while. Based on a short story of Stephen King, The Boogeyman revolved around a family dealing with a trauma of losing their mother in an accident. A metaphorical presentation of the pain we conjure after we lose a dear one. And sometimes we must leave the past to the past in order to move on.

I was a bit hesitant toward watching this movie due to too many bad reviews, but, I really liked it. A great storyline, not a plausible acting but the modest one. Notable editing and lots of jump scenes that will satisfy a horror movie fan.

Not to mention that Pet Cemetery is by far my favorite scary film based on a Stephen King novel.

6/10.

Everything Everywhere All at Once
(2022)

Emperor's new clothes!
Could be a student's thesis!

Very bad. Emperor's new clothes. People just admire things they don't understand. An insult to audience. Stupid premise, awful actings, mediocre direction and disoriented screenplay. And come on! Eleven Oscar nominations? You must be kidding me. I'm just wondering if they were on drugs making this film. Just like Hereditary and Midsommar it's another pointless art house movie from A24 company just to waste your time! The only A24 films that I liked are X and its prequel Pearl. Nonetheless, it has become apparent to me that every film from A24 is pretentious and unwatchable. 3/10, barely!

Cry Macho
(2021)

A shot of Tequila plz!
It's quite obvious that Clint Eastwood has become very nostalgic toward his western era lately. Not a great film in terms of cinematic standards but a charming one.

Cheesy dialogues, weak performances and childish script will give you enough reasons to leave it at the first five minutes, but you won't. Well, not all movies are meant to be criticized the same.

Unlike Gran Torino, Cry Macho is a mediocre film full of stereotypes and predictable events, but you'll watch it till the end. Clint takes us on a ride to the past, when being a cowboy, being a man and being in love had some greater meanings.

A feel good movie to pass the time.

House of the Dragon: The Black Queen
(2022)
Episode 10, Season 1

Save the best for last...
War is inevitable now!

Given that HOTD had a lesser ambitious premise and was less thrilling in every way compared to GOT, this is apparent that they had saved the best for last. The last episode of the first season was the best, to me. Something that will keep you waiting for the next season, which is inherent to GOT's franchise. My favorite scene was in which Rhaenyra stood against Hightowers in Dragonstone , the very place where she stood with them back in her 17s.

Lots of gripping dialogues and twists though.

However, still didn't give me the pace that GOT did. Yet, I believe that it will find its place in the next season. Let's hope!

House of the Dragon
(2022)

Chilling roars!
Not a fantastic start but a decent one. A bit boring after all the fuss that were surrounded its production. I have been also expecting a spectacular opening credit like before but was left disappointed. However, I liked Rhaenyra character very much. She resembles Daenerys a great deal. I remember how engaging the premiere of GOT was. Nonetheless, this one looks promising as well. Must wait to see how the story unfolds in the coming weeks.

7/10 solely for the first Ep.

Calibre
(2018)

Excellent!
An unexpectedly gripping thriller. Low budget and simple, yet unbelievably engaging. I liked the ending as well, totally different from its kind.

9/10 definitely!

The Black Phone
(2021)

Just Ok,...
Thought it would be better. It's entertaining, yes, but has lots of plot holes. We have seen much better movies with similar stories. However, we see great performances mostly from Ethan Hawke. He is really twisted and creepy here.

But again, one of those films that you forgot quickly.

Pleasure
(2021)

Everything you always wanted to know about porn industries but were afraid to ask...!
Perhaps the most authentic approach to the genre. A full yet brief closure to legal porn industries. Not a great movie in terms of cinematic values but an explicit look to this mesmerizing world, containing lots of graphic sexual moments, intelligently put for the sake of story.

A unique film you don't get to see all the time.

Men
(2022)

No man's land
A gripping, surrealist story to satisfy your feminist part. And, as I've learned, Hollywood is trying to wage war against sexes lately. Last night in Soho, Promising young Woman, and so many other movies, try to show how men are evil and women are angel. However, a slight glimpse into history shows that both men and women played crucial roles in advocating vice and virtue. Of course, because of their physical dominance, men proved to be more deviant than women. Nonetheless, we all know how many manipulative women are out there bringing misery to innocent men. Johnny and Amber's battle are among the best recent examples.

Regardless, Men is a visually stunning film, full of creativity and immersive elements. Yet, I hope, film makers try to bring peace to genders with their stories than ignite the fire between them.

Crimes of the Future
(2022)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...
It's really hard to review Cronenberg's movies. A great come back after a long time though. It is somehow a bizarre combination of Exiztence and Crash to me. You can clearly observe Cronenberg's signature throughout the film. A creepy body horror movie about the evolution of humans in an inhuman modern world, where people no longer feel pain and can consume plastics in a revolutionary way.

And this ability provides an opportunity for an artist couple to show inner beauties through visceral spectacles.

Crimes of the Future creates a dark universe were people are no longer referred to as humans, at least in classical sense.

A must watch!

The Northman
(2022)

Hamlet meets The Lion King
Amleth or Hamlet? That's the question!

Mediocre script and ordinary performances combined with stunning scenery. Not as solid as Robert Eggers' previous films but very entertaining.

6/10.

The Fall
(2013)

Downfall
Intriguing at first but downfalls along the way. Season 3 was unnecessary. Unrealistic, irrational, and biased in every way. However, some great performances by Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson.

5/10 barely!

Saint Maud
(2019)

Schizophrenia!
Prophets' scheme: make you life a living hell by forcing their bloody heaven onto you.

A simple yet great film about the true origin of religious behaviors: mental illness.

Midnight Mass
(2021)

The opium of the masses
A very smart and shocking horror series dealing with a small community terrorized by unexplainable events as a new charismatic priest arrives. Starts a bit slow, sometimes boring too, but as the story unfolds you can barely take your eyes off of it until its explosive climax. A fantastic show that mocks all religions, holy books, prophets and clerics who feed on human stupidity.

Guess I've become a Mike Flangan's fan.

Just loved it!

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