rayanrafay's Reviews

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (2023)

2/10

5 January 2024

The experience of watching this is like watching an art gallery installation. In a museum, maybe this would work, you sit down for a bit, get immersed in a rich environment, and then move on to see other artworks.

As a cinematic film, it is like watching paint dry. Cannot get invested in the characters or the development. There is a rich story here and that is what is so frustrating. The film is well-made in that it does very well in its shots, cinematography and setting but then it fails miserably in narrative and development.

I have to think this comes down to a terrible script, but cannot be sure.

Either way, it is unwatchable and does not really deserve to be considered for any awards.

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Polite Society (2023)

2/10

Nida Manzoor has really bombed here

11 June 2023

I don't understand how such an ignorant film could be made by someone from within the community.

Why make characters Muslim/Pakistani and then make them behave and act unlike any Pakistanis. Dialogue such as "he's fitter than God." Has any Pakistani, religious or not ever thought of those lines?

We are supposed to believe these folks are okay with arranged hookups and then sleep together? A Eid party where everyone drinks?

It just goes on and on. It genuinely feels like it was written by a Brit of ethnic origin from Dover imagining what Pakistanis are like.

That lack of authenticity makes this almost unwatchable. Lots of potential squandered.

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Servant (2019–2023)

5/10

Classic Shyamalan - All atmosphere no plot

1 June 2020

I got excited to watch this. After Netflix' Haunting of Hill House, I thought this would take all of that to the next level. A great premise, great actors.

However, after two episodes you are bored to tears. What makes this worse is that without even creating one compelling season with a satisfying pay-off (there is none at the end), M Night Shyamalan is on record talking about 60 episodes.

Are you kidding me? This is The Village and The Happening all over again.

Stay away, it is not worth it. What a waste of Rupert Grint.

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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

4/10

This movie is a lazy attempt at cinema

4 January 2014

Warning: Spoilers

This movie could have been good, but the Australia scenes and its length make it an embarrassment.

Firstly, Farhan Akhtar was indeed brilliant in his role, and he deserves all the kudos he gets.

However, the Australian scenes were so lazy it actually boggles my mind. The film's perception of what 1956 Australia looked like is so terrible that I wanted to leave the movie. The women have hairstyles that did not exist, they were clothing that did not exist, flags are proudly displayed that did not exist (Malaysia and Iran's current flag).

SPOILERS!!!

A father would not let his daughter go out on a night on the town, let alone with an Indian. Beer bottles that were displayed did not exist. The idea of an Indian athlete sleeping with his coach's daughter is absurd in 1956 Australia. I can go on, but I'll leave it at this, no historical accuracy was even attempted.

The length is far too long and shows lazy editing.

I am not sure when India will demand its filmmakers to make some attempt at an accurate historical depiction of a scene, but this movie fails for me, for that reason.

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Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)

9/10

This movie his hilarious and a worthy sequel

23 December 2013

I don't like writing reviews, but I am overwhelmed by the negative sentiment of the recent reviews. I feel this movie deserves better.

Firstly, if you are going to see a Will Ferrell movie, you ought to expect his brand of humour. Most of the comments reflect a complete lack of understanding of Ferrell's sense of humour.

Ferrell succeeds at making a movie that is ridiculously silly, clean, and funny all at the same time. The key to a Ferrell movie is to simply enjoy it, not to over think it.

In my opinion, this is almost as good as Anchorman, and as such far better than most sequels. Ferrell may even be funnier than he was in the original.

I will watch this movie again and again, I don't think it will stop being funny. I spent the next day chuckling as I remembered scenes from the movie.

Take things lightly, and enjoy it.

MILD SPOILER

I thought the idea of Burgundy being responsible for the Fox News approach to journalism was brilliant.

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Palimpsest (2006)

10/10

Intriguing

13 September 2006

This movie is special.

It is a true in-depth study of the mind, and our individual perception's of reality. It can be confusing, and I will admit if there was not a Q&A with the director after the film ended (Toronto Film Festival) I would have given it an 8 or 9 (I failed to understand some of the symbolism). But after hearing his rationale and thought process, I am forced to give it a perfect rating.

The concept is truly intriguing and the story is ambiguous enough for individuals to draw their own conclusions.

If you are weary of common Hollywood fare, this is the perfect movie.

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