nwsabir Reviews

Civil War (2024)

I was expecting this to be good

[6/10 · 10 April 2024]

The premise of how close the US came to the division turning violent was not utilized. Media coverage of war was unrealistic while other movies have better addressed the subject. For me the movie failed to capture the political divide, social polarization, media ethics, challenges faced by reporters or the horrors of war; while all these were central themes here.

Going in I was hoping this to be what "Contagion" was at predicting what a global virus outbreak may look like, and when it actually happened we realised how accurate it was. Civil War lost that potential, not that anyone wants a civil war to start but the story just isn't well thought out. It was clearly aimed at leaders like Trump, who may come to power again but the fact that people actually support such leaders and that the general public is willing to take extreme measures to ensure they remain in power is completely missing here. Only secret service is defending the president in the movie while in reality the January 6th DC attacks did happen.

The only good thing was the trailer and performances for which a 6 is generous rating.

Albträumer (2020)

Fighting grief is not easy and something you have to overcome yourself

[6/10 · 14 August 2023]

Did not know anything about this movie before and gave it a go only because I like German films, it tackles a difficult subject of grief the family experiences after the son commits suicide. It manifests itself in different forms and here we see how the whole family addresses it in their own way.

The protagonist (sister) Rebecca tries to understand the motives and learn more about her brother through the brother's friend who was with him when the incident occurred. The journey and the possibility of this process pushing her towards a similar fate forms the story, and how she and her family come to terms with the loss.

Sure this is not critically acclaimed work but viewers will be rewarded, a foreign language film you will not regret watching in the time when most of the mainstream films especially by streaming services are formulaic.

Not Okay (2022)

Awards brewing for Mia Isaac

[6/10 · 7 August 2022]

Mia Isaac's poem at the end, that's the review and what makes this movie worth a watch. What an actress in making, don't make me go and then this simply wow.

Warning (II) (2021)

Explanation Required!

[5/10 · 17 October 2021]

I hope there is an explanation video out there cause I can tell there was more to it, but what if this was inspired from the star wars Natalie Portman meme! Maybe it was supposed to leave audiences scratching their heads.

There is a notable cast and clues that the stories are related and that there are potentially different timelines but nothing is confirmed

I am not sure how I can recommend it to anyone or even how to rate it, but I agree with some of the reviewers that this could have been better as standalone short stories.

Copshop (2021)

Bites more than it can chew

[4/10 · 16 October 2021]

It tries to be the cult classic but doesn't get in that territory with a dragged and shallow storyline.

There are lots of lines and references to achieve something big but nothing memorable, just a one time watch.

Being James Bond: The Daniel Craig Story (2021 Video)

The journey from Daniel Craig's perspective

[5/10 · 30 September 2021]

Before you get a chance to see No Time to Die you will probably want to watch Daniel Craig's Bond story, which is nicely told with inside details especially of interest for the viewers who witnessed this Bond transition.

My only complaint was missing interviews/ stories from some of the key cast members.

Old (2021)

Not the M Night Shyamalan you were hoping for

[4/10 · 17 September 2021]

One of the X files episode had the same story and that was better and memorable than this. I was expecting more from a M Night's movie.

Malignant (I) (2021)

You know where it's going but still watch it to the end

[6/10 · 11 September 2021]

Isn't Anabelle Wallace the prettiest, she should be in more movies.

This isn't real horror and you will early on guess the big reveal, the gore is ok and there is a comical vibe which seemed a little misplaced in this genre, not sure what that was about but overall offers enough to viewers to make it to the end.

Small Engine Repair (2021)

How to effectively turn a play into a movie

[7/10 · 10 September 2021]

I had never watched the play but knew it was award winning and how would it pan out in a movie was uncertain.

It stays close to its original format with rich dialogue and manages to keep you engaged, with just the right amount of visualisations and change of scenery. Amazing acting makes it all worth the watch, give Shea Whigham an Oscar already and Jon Bernthal in a non action role was a pleasant surprise.

The story is a sarcastic commentary on society which earns it the comedy drama classification and is worth a watch, you won't regret it.

Sole (2019)

Stellar performances

[8/10 · 10 September 2021]

An emotional story portrayed by two amazing young actors, fine performances which take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Kate (I) (2021)

Predictable and beyond Mary Elizabeth's saving

[5/10 · 10 September 2021]

Mary Elizabeth is now in the same league as Mila Jovovich and Charlize Theron for bad ass action/stunts, this movie is paving the way for a standalone Huntress but misses out to be anything memorable on its own.

Naked Singularity (2021)

Does not deserve the bad ratings

[6/10 · 14 August 2021]

This is not a 3.9 movie (the rating it has when I am writing), the reviewers have been too harsh.

Has some cool social commentary, good acting and John Boyega seemed like a young Danzel Washington, maybe a project in the making.

Watch it and don't trust the rating.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Someone needs to Alt+F4 this please

[1/10 · 10 August 2021]

I am sure nobody reads reviews for these films but someone needs to please shut it down, how much more are they going to milk this franchise!

Playing God (2021)

A treat for Hannah Kasulka fans

[5/10 · 7 August 2021]

This movie seems to showcase Hannah Kasulka, who has substantial screen time and is a definite eye candy.

The movie shows promise in the beginning but loses it quickly, a simple idea is dragged a bit too long and a bonkers twist.

Don't expect much and watch it just for the gorgeous Hannah Kasulka.

Galveston (2018)

What a Gem! will leave you wanting to rewatch it

[9/10 · 11 December 2018]

I remember watching the trailer earlier but didn't recall much of the movie apart from it starring Ben Foster and Elle Fanning, which was enough to establish its worth for me but unfortunately there was/is no buzz about it within movie circles. Although this is not Mélanie Laurent's directorial debut but I am sure her skills beyond an actress will be noted hereafter.

Both the leads are absolutely amazing, and little Fanning proves her well-deserved critical acclaim.

The scene where Ben Foster confronts Elle Fanning at the motel is my favorite, the emotions and character portrayal reminds me of Emma Stone's Oscar nominated confrontation with Michael Keaton in Bird Man.

It is really unfortunate that Ben Foster has remained under the radar for most of his career, and it is good to see two of his movies this year ("Leave no Trace" being the earlier) after some mainstream recognition in "Hell or High Water"

The plot is action/ drama but it's not your regular type, as can be expected by the cast. How the characters and story unfolds will keep you glued, so if you are here being indecisive just watch it and thank me later.