mmyilmazyurt Reviews

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Amazing as expected!

[9/10 · 3 March 2024]

As I said before Denis Villeneuve is literally the perfect director for this job:

Likes of Incendies (2010), Arrival (2016), and many more projects crafted him more and more for a potential trilogy of Dune.

And in here he goes even further with the themes of Fate, Free will, Coming of Age, Religion & Politics and how can all these can be exploited in the hands of someone which blossoms into his signature film.

Maybe it's one of the reasons why it's so much universally loved right now as well, that it's not so much different from what we're going through.

What is actually fascinating is story knows itself and doesn't make false promises. We can already see the glimpses of who Paul really is, or going to be...

And, all the actors along with Timothée Chalamet deserves all the praises, all of the performances elevate each other.

Production design and cinematography is great as always as well.

All of these were contributed on this masterpiece of course and right now I can't wait for the Messiah. It really is going to be one of the best Trilogies of all time!

Barbie (I) (2023)

Growing up & Finding who you really are...

[8/10 · 28 September 2023]

I certainly didn't expected this film to be what it is...

Growing up (realizing the world around you, yourself) anxiety, depression, responsibilities, relationships and more but it resonated with me mostly from Ken's POV.

To love or caring someone while ignoring your own identity and needs, try to please with your every second leaves you empty. And it's not fair for anyone on either side.

This film isn't just about feminism or female empowerment, it's about growing up and finding who you really are, and what is your actual purpose. Which is the hardest thing for anyone, including myself...

Thank you Greta Gerwig and the crew!

Succession: Connor's Wedding (2023) Season 4, Episode 3

Totally unexpected, totally masterwork from start to finish...

[10 April 2023]

As I wrote in the title, from start to finish it was just one of the best and shocking episodes I've seen.

What I love about Succession was always how it turned the tables when it's the least expected and this episode just did that in the most shocking way.

This last season was seemed building up to a whole other thing and just in a single moment all the momentum is shifted shockingly.

All of the actors did such an amazing job yet, Jeremy and Kieran and Sarah handled the abrupt emotional shift and the rest of the espousing throughout the episode with marvelous performances.

It's actually really hard to figure out what's going to happen right now, as it's always the least expected when it comes to this show but one thing is for certain that Succession is actually starts now.

To conclude, there was always one thing that bugged me was how Logan was seen vulnerable in the 1st season and, until now he was always beem a beast apart from few occasions.

With how this season was building and how Logan was planning a new start while being even more hungry, this episode was the perfect example of how the life has a different plan for you even though you think what lies ahead is crystal clear.

Aftersun (II) (2022)

Hasret

[9/10 · 21 December 2022]

After watching this beautiful film and coming across a little note from the amazing storyteller Charlotte Wells:

(I cannot share URL apparently so please search "A note from Charlotte Wells from the site of A24.")

This was the word that broke me down. Hasret.

I just couldn't resist my tears. As a Turkish person, its just both amazing and heartbreaking from the point of view of the director that this word resonates with her feelings from a place she had this holiday with her late father. That it stuck with her...

Even though it is not the same case at all, I remember the times as a kid I closed the door on my dad because he would come home late from work. That because he would promise me to come home early.

Now, today I can't even imagine how saddening it was for him at those times and it wasn't even at his hands.

Hopefully I will be able to share my love and gratitude my parents as Charlotte did here with such elegance through some way. Since, it's not easy to recapture feeling this instant or in any...

Thank you for this film all in all, it surely made me reconsider a lot recently...

Barry: starting now (2022) Season 3, Episode 8

What a season it was!

[13 June 2022]

Barry has always been such a well acted, written and directed show through its two seasons with such unique off-beat dialogues, its blend of comedy and drama.

Yet, I didn't expect the show to rework these strong elements to make it even more distinct. It was really different from its previous seasons even though it was still silly, dark still had such drama but all of those were a cut above.

Bill Hader not just proves himself to be such great actor on and on but also proves how a great writer and innovative director he is. The off-screen violence or action scenes were one of the highlights of the season.

Sarah Goldberg was one of the frontrunners as always too. What a great actress she is...

I just can't praise the show enough. Yes, there are few nitpickings on my side like there are some storylines could have been explored more etc. Yet, with given budget its an amazing achievement how those shootouts, or horror scenes were shot through someone else' POV. (especially the last one with Anthony Carrigan who showed his insane range as well.)

Can't wait to see what Hader and Berg planned for Barry!

Severance (2022– )

I loved it!

[8/10 · 14 May 2022]

Maybe I was recently employed for the first time, the show effected me in a way I didn't expected as I'm experiencing such work life, colleagues, friends etc. But, apart from that, the acting, cinematography are just amazing at times. There are already established great names but likes of Britt Lower and especially Tramell Tillman with his eerie and amazing physical performance as Mr. Milchick really took me by surprise. In addition to them, Adam Scott is different than his past portrayals. That last scene of the season really stands out from him. There is a really great potential for future seasons here.

I would also like to give shoutout to one of the dialogues I've heard in the show that was really thought provoking: "Don't fight for my freedom. Fight for the freedom of the soldier fighting beside you." Don't remember if it was the exact quote but it was beautiful.

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

It wasn't what I was expected at all!

[8/10 · 19 March 2022]

As a big fan of Martin McDonagh's other works with Three Billboards and In Bruges (both pure excellence), I was sure it was going to be a another great movie yet, I wasn't expecting it to be so meta, self-critical etc.

Even though it was originally written in 2006, its placement between his previous, In Bruges and Three Billboards is well put by chance as he addresses himself as a writer in the film and how he can improve himself.

All in all, it is not just an incredible dark-comedy but also a advisory letter to Martin McDonagh himself and hopefully other aspiring screen writers.

I would suggest watching it along with the screenplay if you have any chance to find it.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Disappointing...

[5/10 · 19 January 2022]

Well, first of all I might need to discuss about my disappointment thanks to some other reviews in here complaining about the races of certain characters and actors. These are literally fictional characters (even though created hundred years ago) and there will always be different interpretations regarding them. And, if a certain actor is good for the part then, regardless of their appearance, beliefs or etc. There should be no further discussion over it.

That being said, I found the movie disappointing on my behalf as well. I am not highly trained in English or English literature but I am very interested in filmmaking and cinema in general and I can safely say it's ambiguous whether it is a live action film or not.

Only thing I can take out as a positive was some visual storytelling and apart from that most of the actors (without naming) were just line reading and production design wasn't inspiring.

I saw another review mentioning Justin Kurzel's take on Macbeth (2015) with Micheal Fassbender and Marion Cotillard over this version I agree with my whole heart. So much more accessible, visionary and has amazing cinematography over this one.

The French Dispatch (2021)

It is like wandering around in a museum or an art gallery.

[7/10 · 28 December 2021]

Whether you like it or not, there is establishment behind Wes Anderson and his style. Production designs, and soundtrack is always in its top and gets more and more artistic with each film yet, it is both positive and negative. For me, after Moonrise Kingdom (2012) (my personal favourite by him) & especially The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), it is becoming harder to dive into the film or the characters. Don't get me wrong, it is visually stunning always and you could see the great choreography or design behind it but characters don't feel authentic like they used to.

With the exception of "The Concrete Masterpiece". It was as engaging as it was beautiful. Benicio Del Toro & Lea Seydoux maintained to give something to hold on for audience (or at least me) even though it is hindered by the style.

Also, I agree with Mr. Howitzer. The last discussion between Roebuck Wright and Nescaffier was indeed the best part literally.

I am not in a level or a position to criticize or to give an advice but, I think it is best to returning back to the roots like The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Rushmore (1998) or even Moonrise Kingdom (2012) cause it is getting harder to watch it as a movie.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The 3rd Act of the movie changed the whole projection!

[6/10 · 19 December 2021]

Let's be honest, the movie has great moments, it is self aware over past MCU Spider-Man films and it took it's lesson from Spider-Man (2018) & Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) yet, it has issues that shouldn't be taken lightly in my opinion.

First of all, even though I am not a fan of MCU Spider-Man as it overlooked every thing that made him the friendly neighborhood, I never doubted Holland's acting and I think he shined brilliantly in this movie. (On a side note, he should pursue more diverse roles like in The Devil All the Time (2020) rather than cheesy action movies.) But, also, without going much in the detail, I loved that they were self aware and made him going back to characters' roots at the end.

Tobey and Andrew being back, their interactions with each other and Tom was amazing. We all know, Tobey is always going to be special especially people like me grew up with his movies but also, personally since Andrew is my favorite, him taking this stage to remind why he is a great Spider-man to everyone was essential.

In every scene he was in you can't deny how radiant he was and his chemistry with his co-stars was off the charts just like in his duology. I hope he will get the appreciation he deserves.

Them being the inspiration for Tom's Spider-Man was also sweet and nostalgic. (You might notice it in the end with his new suit.)

As Tom Holland mentioned in many interviews, you can notice the inspiration of Spider-Man (2018) especially in the fight scenes. And, the interactions between the three Spider-Men felt as fluent and organic as it is in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).

Now, these are all great moments and improvements from previous movies but now into the technical part. It is like Marvel movies invest too much in the third act of their movies they literally made the rest of the movie for just to make them. There is literally an inconsistency with it's "Cinematography", "CGI" and the tone.

How on earth they managed to make Lizard look like its from a PS3 game? Or the sequences with Strange within Mirror dimension and their Lair.

Cinematography is just bland as it is in every Marvel movie until the 3rd act.

The dialogue is really messy too. Seconds after, Andrew's Spider-Man mentions how his loved one died in his hands, and him looking at Tom and Zendaya's characters in sorrow they get in to a conversation about their love life. I get what they are trying yo do but compressing it all devalues all the emotions.

As it was in a certain really emotional scene between May and Tom's Spider-Man, there is a hard cut to SWAT teams getting off their truck. Let the scene play out itself in my opinion.

Overall, the movie is so much better than the previous MCU Spider-Man movies and it had great moments but let's not hype mirror the essential flaws within the film. Yet, it is certain that they are aware of the critisims from the past and it will set up a potentially good trilogy next time for Holland.

Lastly, one more time Dafoe and Molina reminded the next generation how great actors and antagonists they were. Especially, Dafoe is just pure excellence.

Blackbird (2007)

It is Hauntingly Beautiful...

[8/10 · 8 December 2021]

Come across to this movie while searching through Gillian Jacobs' filmography and glad I did. Because as you see, there was no chance for me to see this movie on normal chances and I wish it was seen by many others.

Paul Sparks is unrecognizable as Baylis. What a performance throughout the movie. Jacobs as well, although she is more comedy focused later on her career, Gardens of the Night (2008) and this movie are great early examples of her early career what a great actress she is.

The film also contains many similar faces like Annie Parisse and Michael Shannon who gives early signals for his many great characters he will play later on his career.

And, the cinematography! For an indie movie like this it was amazing. Especially when we entered the last couple of minutes it felt like a stage play. (makes sense as it is adapted from a play by director himself)

The hopeful Christmas songs in the background blending with the hopeless, unsettling and raw setting where Baylis and Froggy leaves makes it such a devastating scene to watch from start to finish. Without an exaggeration the last couple of scenes alone was a masterpiece.

Like I said in the title, it is a 'Hauntingly Beautiful' exprience. I wish it could be seen by much more people.

Before Midnight (2013)

End of Before... till next one.

[9/10 · 25 November 2021]

I've only got to watch Boyhood apart from Before Trilogy and I was amazed by how he managed to capture the authenticity in a child life through many perspective and years and now it is a privilege to see it from a couples life in three different times.

At first, they are young, independent, adventurous in the streets of Venice being irrational, hopeful. Then, they got to meet again, slightly more settled (at least what is seen in the outside) yet, having the remorse of their irrationality and misfortunes. Now, we got to see them in their 40s, in another conundrum due to their many decisions that we've seen on or off-screen.

What amazed me throughout this trilogy is that, the exact struggles of the characters was mentioned early in the first movie. And, their reflection on these struggles, how they try to cope with them is all in a sync with their personalities.

Maybe the things we talk, things we like, where we are in life will change over the time. Maybe we think we evolved. But, deep down we are who we are always.

Maybe we think to made the right decisions in our lives. But, we might only see how it affected our lives that day in the future.

Most important thing is to being your best selves in that day, and embrace the moment imo. And, I think it is pretty much the idea in the end.

I hope we will see, Celine and Jesse again in the future. There is great callbacks awaiting from the latest part of the trilogy.

Gardens of the Night (2008)

It was so one of hardest movies to watch...

[7/10 · 23 November 2021]

Especially, the first hour of the movie is just so hard to watch. It is so depressing, haunting.

Ryan Simpkins was one of the best child actors I've seen and learning about the inspiration behind Tom Arnold's performance is heartbreaking.

My only complaint is that second half was lacking the nuance of first half and I feel like the kids traumas' weren't processed enough apart from Donnie beating himself (in a feeling of letting Leslie down) and Leslie breaking down. In which, the latter was one of the best moments of Gillian Jacobs' career in such an early stage.

Knowing her from many other projects and, following many interviews of her she mentions this moment often and remembers it as one of the most special collaborations she ever did thanks to John Malkovich and his generosity. Apparently, she wasn't in the necessary emotional state before the scene and John Malkovich made an improv over what happened to her character throughout the years to bring her to that state.

Before Sunset (2004)

I was lost while watching it...

[8/10 · 23 November 2021]

After meeting with Celine and Jesse, wandering around the streets of Venice in Summer of 94 and their eventual goodbye, I was sure that they would meet eventually.

Yet, it was a surprise to see how things turned out for them (especially seeing how it paralleled their conversations about being a parent and relationships in general and etc), missing those little moments of reuniting and cherishing that night till 2004.

Now, watching this movie with these two characters that we met interacting again while wandering around the streets of Paris, I was lost.

It was less adventurous and slightly more mature than the first film. But it was also so genuine and so personal.

It reminds you of your own experiences from the lenses of these characters and it makes it even more realistic and bittersweet. The regrets, the memories, the ongoing lives of the characters with their other relationship, work and families are all serving as personal anecdotes for the audience.

All in all, it revisited the lives of these two and how that night affected the rest of their lives till now perfectly.

Dune (2021)

A really solid start to something Epic...

[8/10 · 28 October 2021]

I haven't read any Dune novels but, it's very widely known how it's one of the best and unique sci-fi novels around by the great Frank Herbert. And, from my little research about the story and themes surrounding it Denis Villeneuve is literally the perfect director for this project. Fate & Free will, tradition and customs (especially Middle-East), Coming of Age, Religion & Politics have always been seen in some of his other projects as well as these are considered to be main themes surrounding the story of Dune.

Like I said previously, his past work with projects like Incendies (2010) where he handled tales from Middle East and Arrival (2016), a sci-fi movie that is about breaking down the prejudices and communication and many more projects crafted him more and more for a potential trilogy of Dune. He already showed his masterful storytelling with the movies like the former one and only superimposed over it with the ones like the latter.

This movie is just a beginning, and maybe it's why it is quite lacks the storylines because of it but could this be anymore beautifully looking. Greig Fraser puts his signature in here as well. Every shot is nearly is like looking into a painting.

I understand why if anyone thinks it was slow, or lacking any actual spark but considering it will be a trilogy, it's such a promising film that builds the world of Dune.

Also, shoutout to Rebecca Ferguson and Timothée Chalamet. Truly amazing performances...

Edit: Of course, this review won't be taken as helpful by everyone, but some users are just here to spam this and many reviews in here. Please, respect who are those actually trying to express themselves.

Not all reviews, praising the movie are paid or biased.

Aquaman: King of Atlantis (2021)

Awkward, Chaotic and Fun!

[8/10 · 18 October 2021]

I think the animation alone deserves a praise for this show. The first sequence, each facial expression and actions scenes are so well done and colors are amazing.

Voice acting is really great. I can't wait to hear more of Ocean Master by Dana Snyder. Gillian Jacobs probably gave one of the most chaotic Mera portrayals so far and felt like listening to her episodes on Comedy Bang Bang (Recommended 100%).

It reminded me of, Spongebob (which clearly was an inspiration for the series) a lot as well. Especially some awkward times or faces in the show really brought those memories watching the show, and were really funny.

Edit: Just finished the second episode and to be honest, it's animation and VA is amazing and just gets better. Doesn't deserve it's 5.9 at all.

Ten Year Old Tom (2021–2023)

"As you get older, one of the things I think you look back on is... which adults you listened to."

[7/10 · 7 October 2021]

It is certainly not for everyone, and it is not for me but, still had some fun moments. Lack of impressions in animation is pretty distracting in my opinion and the models are so stupid yet, amusing too in a way.

The line in the title was so cool, and pretty much the premise of the show. The intro song is really good as well.

Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan or familiar of similar projects to Ten Year Old Tom.

Forgot to add something, I wish Paul Rust appeared more, because his voice suited really good to Randy with those bangs, lol. He was so funny!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Last Day Pt 2 (2021) Season 8, Episode 10

The End For Now...

[17 September 2021]

Even though, it wasn't the best season of 99 the finale redeemed it 100%. It was one of the most beautiful finales I've watched ever. Andre and Andy made me tear, what a great duo with such father and son dynamic. The last Jake and Amy look was beautiful, they were both proud of each other. Everything was so beautiful. Hadn't been the pandemic, I've bet we could have seen likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda back and Mark Hamill feature probably. What can I say, looking forward to the first reunion or anything from now on in which we will see them I have no doubt. For the last time, Nine-Nine!

P. S. Proud of Hitchcock as I've predicted he would win this year.

Giri/Haji (2019)

The Parallels...

[8/10 · 4 August 2021]

The Parallels between Tokyo and London, people who are involved in this incident, all harmonized beautifully. The consequences of one action taking its place at two distant locations, to show these rather meshed together on a screen or edit together in a sequence were amazing. The cinematography was a highlight as well. There was an unexpected but a welcome humor too :)

Yet, what impressed me was the dance sequence in the finale wrapping up whole story. There was a similar kind of storytelling in I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020) and I wonder if they were inspired from this show.

All in all, it is a gem needs to be seen.

Incendies (2010)

Speechless...

[9/10 · 23 July 2021]

To be honest, there is nothing left to say story-wise after this film. The tragedy, atmosphere and everything...

As an admirer of Dennis Villeneuve's filmography thanks to his work in past years, I was already familiar with how much of a brilliant storyteller he is. Yet, Incendies is no different. Beautifully structured script, visuals, soundtrack...

Lastly, the intro, along with Radiohead's "You and Whose Army?" is probably the one of the best I've ever witnessed easily.

Dean (2016)

Really underrated! Wish gotten more attention...

[7/10 · 22 June 2021]

First of all, writing, directing and starring in a project is never too easy even if you're surrounded by such talented group of people. Yet, Demitri Martin handles it really good and brings a really beautiful tone to this movie. Even though, it is actually a very personal story it does not alienates you and tells it with such warm and realistic way. The one most stood out was how the illustrations summed up the some of the scenes or how used as an interlude between ones. Totally recommend this beautiful and highly relatable story!

Mythic Quest (2020– )

Definitely gets better!

[7/10 · 9 May 2021]

The show maybe not the best comedy right now but they got me with its two episodes; A Dark Quiet Death and Quarantine.

I've started the show thanks to Danny Pudi and until the 5th episode (A Dark Quiet Death) the show was trying to find its pace. But, 5th episode is one of the best standalone episodes I've seen that is touching lots of elements throughout 30 minutes.

Again, with the Quarantine episode, they turned their disadvantage into an advantage and made a great episode.

Other episodes had their ups and downs but this show still worths a try no doubt.

I hope they will keep their trajectory still because they have a good cast and an opportunity.

Edit: These last episodes "Backstory!" and "Peter" have been such beautiful experiences. Just brought me tears as we witnessed the past of C. W. (Wonderful Murray Abraham) and bringing closure to it in the very next episode.

Invincible: Where I Really Come From (2021) Season 1, Episode 8

Why is Mark Invincible?

[30 April 2021]

He got beaten physically but not mentally. Even in his last breath he still fought for his beliefs rather than his fathers and eventually made Omni-Man gives up his Viltrumite side to his Human.

Mark's will, spirit is what makes him Invincible.

It is a long journey, we just saw his origin story...

Cannot wait for the new season!

Invincible (2021– )

Coming of Age and an Origin Story of a Hero.

[9/10 · 26 March 2021]

Probably one of the best debut seasons ever so far. Cast, animation, story, everything was amazing from start to finish and elevated on an epic level.

Especially, in the season finale. Among all that gore, action and tragedy it was a clash of wills ended with a victory of love and endurance of a son.

Throughout the series Mark's superhero name was told to be optimistic but we have seen that even in his last breath he was standing for what he was believing. That's what makes him Invincible.

Lastly, the other side of the coin, Nolan Grayson. The series gave the impression of how he has a dilemma within inside, between his origin and later thought humanity. He faced his own demon hopefully one last time to become what he means to become within eyes of Mark and Debbie.

I have been waiting on the series for so long thanks to amazing cast. Hype was real. One of the best experiences I've had. And, it is just the beginning...

Little Fish (2020)

Stunning!

[8/10 · 7 February 2021]

Thanks to Mattson Tomlin's twitter post, I get to have an attention to the movie Little Fish and as I said to him "I hope it will reach as many as people, during this times." because unless it is provide by a streaming service it is hard to get an audience so don't forget to tell your friends about the movie!

The film is simply stunning. The usage of cinematography, music, editing and envisioning are the standout for the film besides sublime acting. Narrative of the story is also great which is going through Emma, played by Olivia Cooke who tries to take care of his husband Jude, played by Jack O'Connell. Both of them should be recognized for their performances undoubtedly since, it is not easy to capture such genuine chemistry on screen. We can feel how they share the love and the fear of situation just by an ambiance of a scene or by just looking at their expressions.