akupm Reviews

Top Boy (2011–2023)

Top Boy

[7/10 · 13 December 2015]

To start, 'Top Boy' was a gritty London show that exposed Dushane running a street level gang in Summerhouse. What I've enjoyed about the content was that the gritty setting did not focus on chaotic youth gangs but organised crime that youngsters got caught up in.

Furthermore, Dushane's company had to face a fat obstacle, The London Fields ran by Kamale Lewis. I was trapped into complete confusion that drug debt collector Lee Greene accused Dushane of getting robbed instead of helping him recover a debt.

What is more, gangsters like Lucky Luciano and Joe Bonnano would not of operated on that impulsive level. They would of done the complete opposite. What aggravated the circumstances was that Dushane's supplier Bobby Raikes had a heart of a lose canon who used violence instead of thinking. Bobby and Lee decided to burn Chris with an iron to pressure Dushane into recovering the debt. What sociopathic maniacs.

To carry on, the characterisation was deep but the show swam in a short length of time that blocked richer character developments.

As a conclusion, the poverty show was packed with pure madness that had no explicit explanation. So I give the content a 6/10.

Playtime (1967)

Playtime

[8/10 · 18 June 2015]

As an introduction, 'Playtime' blew me away with its level of stupidity. It was an episodic comedy set in Paris written and directed by Jacques Tati.

To carry on, the script had very little dialogue from the characters. There was more movements than talking. It empathised that the movie was hilarious enough. The sequences built up as much stupidity as what you can ever imagine. Monsieur Hulot curiously wanders around a high-tech Paris, paralleling a trip with a group of American tourists. The character Hulot is an old man who has no idea what he is doing. He entered an office building in Paris acting like he had to attend an important meeting with investors. What is more, Monsieur strangely walked into a high-tech supermarket, purchasing products and getting lost at the same time. Then he rounds up in a stranger's living-room. To top it all up, he dines in a club restaurant with hundreds of American tourists which is still under construction. I call that MAD.

In addition, the Paris was a fantastic location to shoot this buncos movie, because of the city's architecture. Viewing a recording of the tall glass buildings and the club-restaurant were beautiful. The French fabulous fashion was also exposed on the movie camera. This included sharp suits, colourful scarfs, shiny shoes and many more made out of fine fabrics. Watching classic cars drive on the urban streets was wonderful. All thanks to the creative designs of the vehicles. All of this went hand in hand with Jean Badal and Andréas Winding cinematography. The artists lighting created a powerful contrast between light and shade.

As a conclusion, the motion picture was a masterpiece. This is why I give it an 8/10.

Timbuktu (2014)

Timbuktu

[6/10 · 18 June 2015]

To start, this film was episodic than a saga, because characters in the content lived in their own worlds which was suffering. None of them had a leading role to empathise the fact that people in Timbuktu had little freedom and more restrictions 'thanks' to the Islamic authorities. The screenplay had political depth even though there was no main character. It was a unique cinematic approach. Definitely black and white when it came to freedom and restriction. Abderrahme's screenplay attempted to play with sympathy for those who suffered under the Islamic law. No citizen was allowed to sing or rap. Playing instruments were banned. Having to dress in a strict way was the law. As a continuation, the film was quite dual to me. What is to complain? The visual! There was infrequent technical challenges that disappointed me. The movie's visualisation was too basic for me. All I saw was a basic recording of Timbuktu: sandy deserts, lakes and caved houses. No problem in the landscape recording but a massive issue in technical challenges. On the other hand, there were no glimpse shots. Director Abderrahame Sissako was not expressive with camera angles which could off made the film feel amazing. Camera shots in the film was also extremely elementary. In addition, the music was beautifully played. It main purpose was to imply how music was an escapism for the political prisoners. All in all, I give this motion picture a 5/10 because it was not that gripping to watch.

The Connection (2014)

La French

[8/10 · 9 June 2015]

The must use adjectives are thrilling and mind blowing. Seriously, the motion picture directed and written by Cédric Jimenez was emotionally heavy. The movie was inspired by true events set in the 1970s. It was about a Neapolitan Mafia Boss Tanny Zampa who ran a French extortion gang in Marseille, France. The Kingpin and his mob later exploded into 'The Connection'. It meant heroin purchased from Turkey being flood into New York by the French Mafia. What stood in their way was dedicated detective Pierre Michel who raged bloody war against their money laundering Empire.

In addition, this action packed Noir was set in Marseille, France. I loved how the opening scene exposed a landscape filled with historical buildings, palm trees, straight roads and the sea that reflected blue from the sky. The vibrating and aggressive sound from the motorbike gave the picture a dramatic sound. Expressive music which featured a woman singing her heart out gave a lovely mood. The song was Jerome sang by Lykke Li. Bang! Bang! Bullets flashed at a car driver on the streets. Hit men on motorbike were like characters from a western movie shooting down their victim. The act created a contrast from beautiful to horrendous.

What is more, the tense violence gave the film justice. It empathised the horrors of the French Mafia who imported tons of heroin from Turkey to France and New York City. The pace was very fast. It demonstrated how society was corrupt by dangerous mobsters who rhymed with monsters. The viciousness contained scenes of Zampa and his henchmen killing those who did not pay up protection rackets. The shootings would be extremely loud and bloody. Graphic tortures was like a rakish rhythm in the content. It showed how evil bloodbaths were. There are media reports of President Nixon declaring war against drugs. This showed what impact on drug affairs did on lives.

Moreover, Tanny Zampa was like a black and white painting. He loved his family and destroyed his enemies. He owned a fabulous club in Marseille. The dedicated detective Pierre Michel was hungry to bring an end to 'The Connection'. Pierre went to the extent in taking the law into his own hands to expose his patriotic nature. The two main contrasting characters had their glorious rise and tragic downfalls.

To add, a scene which I also liked the most was when Tanny and his thugs interrogated their extortion victim. The sufferer was strapped to a chair. He wore his fabulous tuxedo. The room had silver walls. The scene played classic disco music which empathised disturbing psychology on mobsters killing legit people who did not pay up protection rackets. A gunned down casino owner. Left to bleed in a car park in broad day light. Tanny and his boys walked off like it just was business nothing personal.

To carry on, the visualisation had some glimpse shots, fast forwarding and an expression in chiaroscuro. The film looked like a production from the 1970s. This helped empathise the time period. Laurent Tangy as the cinematographer expressed the contrast between light and shade. It resulted to the picture having a dark and light atmosphere. From urban to a reveal location, the lighting exposed the two different worlds. In Tanny's nightclub the cinematographer strengthen the shade and exaggerated the lighting. The high saturation was the icing on the cake. The camera shots in the French picture had long distance shots, up right footages and birds eye view. This implied the importance of society.

As a continuation, soundtrack included an orchestra, disco music and electronic. The sound effects in the film created a tense tone. It backed up how 'The Connection' had a negative effect on Marseille and New York. The emotionally heavy orchestra which was played in the end implied the tragic downfalls of the two opposing characters. Detective Pierre was shot and left to death in his neighbourhood. Crime Boss Tanny was finally arrested as his Empire crumbled.

For the story itself, all I can say is that it was about time to have a cinematic film about the rise and the downfall of the French heroin connection based in the 1970s. Watching the same old Sopranos could not compete with this breed of Gangsterism due to the fact that 'The Connection' focused on the sociological theme. The content was unique, because I was getting bored watching the same old Italian wise guys like 'Goodfellas', 'Mean Streets' and 'The Sopranos.' Those three titles do not go into political depth. Cinema needs more genres which are so different.

All in all, I give this film a solid……………….. 8/10.

Contraband (2012)

Contraband

[5/10 · 20 October 2014]

I disliked Aaron Gozikowiski's screenplay, because of the very poor character development. So no wonder it was so flat. It resulted to me not having an emotion or very deep opinion on the actors' roles. Their backstories could have been richer and mentioned a lot more in their dialogue. The Hollywood stars should have had improvised scenes which would of gave them the opportunity to enrich the psychological dimension of their roles. But it had to be a big and fat no…… no. Chris Ferriday was the reformed narcotic trafficker who had two sons and a wife. The main character had a legal self-employed job, fixing security alarms for customers. What I could not stand was that Chris was not shown bonding with his family or having a deep discussion about his up bringing and his old world of smuggling. The director Baltasar Kormákur could of allowed flash backs on his past. I wish the actors could of improvised scenes so that their roles could stand out in the movie. Kate Ferriday (Chris's wife) was hardly exposed in recording spending time with her children unless something dramatic happened. It did not explore her own opinion about parenting or how she raised her two sons. I did not know what type of relationship she had with her biological brother Andy who messed things up. Kate barely played a part in the film. Talking about Andy what influenced him into the world of smuggling? Was he pressured into that underworld society by criminals like Tim Briggs? Could Andy of been remorseless including not caring about those who would suffer from his trafficked drugs? More of these moral questions were left as question marks. Tim Brigs was just a complete sociopathic maniac who just got out of prison. He re offends and carries on his profitable narcotic dealing. He is a single parent who raises her daughter in a poor conditioned ghetto. What happened to his partner who gave birth to his daughter Zoe? Who looked after Zoe when Tim Briggs was locked upped in prison? What triggered the man to be such a monster? Well there were no answers when I watched the film. The storyline mainly focused on massive shoot outs and the underworld of trafficking. Baltasar Kormákur The director gave me an urban shot of New Orleans. He used camera zooming and a bird's eye view so that the landscape could be admired. Unfortunately, there were so many quick glimpse shots which became erratic after a while. In some scenes I could not clearly understand what was going on because of Baltasar Kormákur directing. But on the other hand, I appreciated the city-related cinematography especially at night time. That was when I could see colours stand out from a shady background. Barry Ackroyd did a fantastic job at that. What would put my frown upside down was the African Jazz and the electronic soundtrack. Clinton Shorter's electronic music made me feel like I was sucked into an urban and gripping atmosphere. To balance my judgement I will give 'Contraband' a 5 ½ /10

Joe (I) (2013)

Joe

[6/10 · 5 August 2014]

In my opinion, the visual was fantastic such as explicit camera shots, emotional portraits, organic landscapes, classic colours and the powerful contrast between light and shade. The Texas scenery was imaged like a painting on the big screen. It made me as a viewer feel very engaged with the picture.

To add, the storyline allowed me to empathise with characters especially when I watched the production again. Every role was beautifully performed by actors and done in such a natural way. The main character Garry Jones was a human being who I felt so much sympathy for because of his damaged childhood. He was a kind and hard working 15 year old boy who would warm up your heart. The actor Tye Sheridan put the expensive icing on the cake whiles playing that sensitive role. Joe (portrayed by Nicolas Cage) was a man who lived a tough life, chasing after prostitutes, fighting cops, having tons of enemies and taking ownership of a labour union. It was very heart warming to see him and Garry to perform a father-son relationship.

On the other hand, the script was pretty narrowed. I felt like it could of undug more details about Gary's life and childhood. It was quite disappointing to watch the movie after reading the novel that had more character development.

In a contrast, the soundtrack was moving. As a result, it made me feel more gripped into the plot. Jeff McIwain and David Wingo composed the electronic and acoustic music in such a brilliant way. I ended up swimming in the pool of sensitivity and tension.

I give 'Joe' a 6/10.

Spring in a Small Town (1948)

Spring in a small town

[8/10 · 1 July 2014]

In my mind, the film had a wonderful visual, such as stylish costumes, well footage countryside, realistic production designing done by Ning Che and Dexiong Zhu and Shengewe Li's decent monochrome cinematography. I did not like the camera fading into black because it looked dull to me. The moving image made the setting look natural: the damaged bricks,reflective lakes,smooth grass, you name it. Shengewe Li's Chiaroscuro was well skilled because it made me feel like I staring into a historical painting.

To add, I enjoyed listening to the clever sound effects because it made me feel engaged with Mu Fei directed piece of art. There were only two or three songs but it sounded beautiful like stage opera.

In addition, the storyline travelled through relationships and consequences after the Chinese civil war between Kaishek's Nationalists and Mao's Communist's. As an audience, it made me feel like I could moderately empathise with the characters who adapted from the horrific battle between those two parties.

I will give the motion picture a 7/10 for its creative piece that is based on a short story by Li Tiana.

Scarface (1983)

Scarface

[8/10 · 25 June 2014]

In my mind, the visual was outstanding such as, colourful cinematography, costume/production designing and beautiful set decoration. My eyes were trapped at how a camera could capture artistic portraits and landscapes. I felt like was staring at a classic painting. The picture made me feel so gripped in.

To add, the soundtrack blew me away because of the electronic and club tunes that were played. The film received a groovy tune from it.

In addition, the storyline had a gripping touch because of the themes that were explored, for example drug dealing, cultures, morals and finance.

I will give Brian De Palma's motion picture a 10/10.

Taken 2 (2012)

Taken 2

[3/10 · 18 June 2014]

In my thoughts, the stylish cinematography was mastered well by Romain Lacourbas. He used different range of colours like a Japanese production. My eyes captured the wonderful Los Angeles, Instanbul, Alabanian and Paris landscape without an ugly rush like some other fast pace action films. The visual was like staring into a painting. The technical challenges such as the quick camera shots was fantastic for the genre of the title. It made the film feel more action packed and tense.

To add, the electronic and acoustic soundtrack was beautiful to listen to because the notes were were written and played very well by the orchestra and computer. The soundtrack fitted well in a blockbuster action packed thriller. The sound was absolutely emotive.

In addition, the plot was supremely tense and gripping to the extent when I could not keep on track with my heart beats. Luc Beeson and Robert.M Kamen's imaginative script was definitely outside the box. The summary for the film: Bryan Mills reunites with his ex-wife and daughter on their holiday trip to Istanbul. All of a sudden, the family are stalked and hailed at serious danger by the Albanian Mafia who seek revenge. What makes me love 'Taken 2' is the fact that it related to the first movie but the only difference was that Kim Mills played by (Maggie Grace) had to return the favour by saving her father from dangerous Albanian mobsters who hailed him and his wife hostage in a secret location. It was horrifying to know the fact that Bryan and his wife Lenore were kidnapped and hailed hostage in a warehouse by the Albanian criminals. Not only that but 'Taken 2' was more brutal and less sensitive like 'Taken 1'. It soaked the movie with the thrill of tense bloody violent sequences like foot and car chases, massive shoot outs and explosions. The screenplay sucked in the theme family values and how the Albanians and the Mills' fought for their honour and survival. In my interpretation, Istanbul was a great place to shoot an action movie because of the Islamic culture, caved buildings, narrow alley ways and other Islamic elements which connects with architecture and culture.

As a conclusion, I will give Oliver Megaton's directed picture an 8/10.

Prisoners (2013)

Prisoners

[8/10 · 15 June 2014]

In my mind, the visual was brilliant, because my eyes captured the realistic cinematography, artistic camera angles/shots, beautiful portraits and landscapes. The film was like staring into an outstanding painting. Roger Deakins did a fantastic job at making the cinematography look supremely natural.

To add, my ears were captured by the acoustic, electronic music and sound effects. It was appropriate tunes for the genre. Johan Jonasson composed the tracks amazingly.

In addition, the storytelling deeply explored religious and moral values. I found the plot very disturbing and gripping at the same time.It opened up a psychological dimension.

The title triggered me to give it an 8/10, because of its wonderful creativity.

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Maltese Falcon

[8/10 · 24 January 2014]

The camera angles were supremely creative. Such as, profile and facial shots, sky view and other beautiful angles. I loved how the picture was visualised in San Fransico.For example, the city buildings, expensive cars, rich costume and production designing, the bridge of San Fransico and other high standard ingredients. The storyline was complex. It had pulling twists and turns. As an audient the film made me read between the lines. The title was extremely stylish and suspicious. In my opinion the monochrome, cinematography, exposer was well imaged. The movie director had more cinematic portraits than the city landscape. It was slightly disappointing for me. But on the other hand, I was very impressed with the orchestra. The instruments played it rich tunes. The treasured picture is a gift for film buffs and artists.

I will give the movie an 8/10

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca

[7/10 · 12 January 2014]

Casablanca review: It was a clever picture released in 1942. It explored themes such as slavery, motives, the mind, friendship and the Second World War. The cinematography had it great expose lighting. The portraits of characters were strongly detailed. I loved staring at the costume and production designing. The costumes were appropriate for each character on set. It looked formal. I think the picture deserves a remake like the 1962 film Cape Fear. I felt like Humphrey Bogart had the same role like he does in other noir movies. Michael Curtiz captured the setting of Casablanca beautifully such as the palm trees, architecture and the Arab clothing. I enjoyed the other setting in the title, that was Paris. The French culture was shot in deep detail. You could acknowledge how the French citizens lived and how they suffered during the Second World War. Frequently the story-line is carried out through dialogue. I think you can treasure this movie with a passion. I give it an 8/10

Bob the Gambler (1956)

Bob Le Flambeur

[7/10 · 9 January 2014]

Bob le Flambeur review: The plot was a complex saga. The film captured some brief shots of Paris in a noir mood. It gave a classic sensation to the picture. The movie didn't have a gripping tone. The characters had a deep nature that was underneath the surface. In addition I loved the vehicles that were driven for an example, the Cat-lax, and other stylish 1950s vehicles. I am in shock that Jean-Pierre Melville had directed that movie because it wasn't as great like his other titles such as 'Le Doulos' and 'A cop'. I was supremely disappointed. Sadly the substance was weak. But then again it was the picture he had choreographed before those two films in the 1950s. That title didn't have enough scenes of pure French scenery unfortunately. The costume and production designing could of been at it rich climax. But on the other hand my ears were trapped when I heard the Jazz soundtrack that was played by expensive instruments. I could easily tale that it had a powerful Hollywood inspiration. It had a strong French style I give the motion picture a 5 ½ 10

Training Day (2001)

Training Day

[7/10 · 6 January 2014]

In my thoughts, 'Training Day' had a great visual, such as eye capturing cinematography, street productions and costume desighing. I felt like there were some unnecessary close ups on the fantastic portraits. On the other hand, the balanced cinematography was suitable for each scene.

To Add, the title had apprpopiate music for the street theme film, for example electronic and rap smash hits. The soundtrack was played when needed.

In addition, the storyline explored youth gang coulture and corruption in communities but it could of dug into a massive picture on the criminal subject matter. The black humour made my face burst into laughter because the dialogue and body language. David Ayer did a brilliant job with the screenplay.

I am triggered to giving Antoine Fuqua's directed picture a 7/10.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

The Grapes Of Wrath

[2 December 2013]

The Grapes of Wrath I believed that the picture was flat because of how the content was choreographed by John Ford. The negative element was that most of the sequences didn't have a strong substance. The black and white footage aggravated the situation; the reason was that the storyline was crumbling like breadcrumbs. As a consequence I lost fascination in the plot. Because of the terrible director the landscapes were matt with the colour. If it was Hitchcock motion picture the Black and White and the directing wouldn't of been an issue. In my opinion the soundtrack was rushing to the drains because of the instruments that were playing worthless chords. But on the other hand some of the camera angles captured quality moments for an example; far distance and sky view. The phycological element in the content was underneath the surface as John Ford's purpose. A few scenes of cinematography were impressive. I give John Ford's motion picture a 2 ½ /10

In a Lonely Place (1950)

In a lonely place

[7/10 · 2 December 2013]

In a lonely place (1950) (Directed by Nicholas Ray) In my opinion the film had a weak substance because of how Nicholas Ray directed his picture. But on the other hand the moderate psychology was good. So as the result you could acknowledge some elements of the characters' natures. My eyes stared into the creative costume and production designing. The plot was poor because it was carried by a flat director. As a ramification I lost interest in the story that had rich themes. In a few scenes the cinematography was at it high standard. I couldn't dare resist looking at the Los Angeles landscape such as the 50s vehicles, palm trees, architecture and many more spicy ingredients. The physicality was impressive. I loved the calm camera fading. The main character had a quality role in the movie because of his body language and his aggression that would hurt people around him. The soundtrack wasn't suitable for the picture at all because It given the movie a cheesy mood when the film had serious themes for an example, Power, fame, emotions and Hollywood. I give the picture a 4 ½ /10

Disturbia (2007)

Disturbia

[6/10 · 25 November 2013]

Review: The movie was disappointing because the atmosphere wasn't strong enough especially the suspense and tension. Shia La Beouf performed brilliantly but not as well as Morse because you would forget that he was acting. I didn't like the way the film was directed because it didn't drag a strong ingredient from the original picture (Rare Window) that could capture you. The soundtrack was quite poor and I thought the film was just aimed at teenagers because of it themes and the Western culture. The movie didn't focus strongly on other themes like investigation, the main character's upbringing or deeply how the next door serial Killer's motive or reason on slaying people. Instead the film focused too much on teenagers and how they live their lives in the Western culture. Robert Turner played by Morse portrayed his role in a sinister way but he could of performed a lot better because of his potential. I give the picture a 4/10

Lawless (2012)

Lawless

[7/10 · 25 November 2013]

Review: The picture was based on a true story about three brothers who were involved in prohibition in the great depression in the 1930s.

The actors played their roles expressively and in a professional manner.

For a Gangster picture to be set in the Deep South was ironic because most mobster films are set in the big city such as Los Angeles or New York. But on the other hand the film was unique because of it setting and Deep South culture.

The cinematography was artistic. I loved the way how the director captured the landscape of the country side and the Chicago city where it was home for mobsters. I enjoyed listening to the country side music and watching the Deep South culture. I thought the costume designing was appropriate for all the characters.

As a critic I give the picture a 6/10

Sleepers (1996)

Sleepers

[8/10 · 25 November 2013]

Sleepers

The 1996 film was based on a novel written by Lorenzo Carcaterra and inspired by a true story. It was a picture that had a frequent amount of love and passion. I loved the nature in the characters even though some were shown for a brief moment. It was because you could acknowledge them already. The picture had a beautiful composed sinister, heart-warming soundtrack by John Williams. The Barry Levinson picture had a lot of themes, for an example; friendship, Italian/Irish catholic culture, childhood and the elements of the mind. The friendship that the four main characters had was deep. They were like brothers because of the love they had for each other. Kevin Bacon played his role brilliantly. I had forgotten that he was acting in the movie. He played as a prison guard who was a hard-core child molester. His performance was full of passion. The plot is basically about four friends who are like brothers who are sent to a juvenile detention centre in the 1960s for felony. But when the boys are in prison they get molested by guards. 13 years later they group together like a family and plot revenge on those who abused them and rotten away their childhood innocence. I loved the Manhattan landscape. It was a great substance to the film. There were times when I had sympathy for the main characters because of the abuse they had experience. I can understand that some of them are corrupted. Two of the friends are members of a mafia, 1 is a journalist and the other is a lawyer who keeps on defending his mob friends in cought. I thought the costume and production/costume designing was quite modern. the cinematography mostly had a cold temperature colour so that it could expose a gloomy tone. I give the a 6/10

American History X (1998)

American History X

[8/10 · 25 November 2013]

In my opinion, the visual was quite disappointing because the cinematography, camera angles/shots, production and costume designing was not outside the box. As a viewer the close ups became very erratic. It ignored decent portraits and landscapes. Tony Kaye's cinematography looked flat instead of mind blowing. Tony Kaye's directing did not look professional.

In addition, the plot was down the drain for me because it only explored a very tiny piece of the racial subject matter. David Mckenna's screenplay was absolutely preachy. It did not let the audience have access to their perspectives. In my thoughts, it made the characters behave like puppets instead of organic. Derek Vinyard behaved more like a puppet being pulled by its master than any other normal human being. I hardly felt anything from the storyline because of the lack of depth. I could not empathize with the plot at all.

To add, Ann Dudley written down beautiful notes for his orchestra to perform. His composed tunes trapped my ears from beginning to end.

I am pushed to give the title a 3/10.

Pusher (I) (2012)

Pusher (2012)

[6/10 · 25 November 2013]

Review: The picture had an elementary plot with a tense and gripping atmosphere. The opening scene introduced the audience to the main characters with a trigger pulling style. I'd enjoyed the action sequences because I was trapped in suspense. The characters in the film were easy to acknowledge but the picture wasn't physiological. It was like watching a Martin Scorsese film because every scene was a highlight with tension. It's a movie fun to watch like (Pulp Fiction) but not physiological.

I liked the London landscape because it gave a modern substance. My ears were trapped in the tech-no soundtrack that was composed and played in a nightclub mood. I liked how the characters were expressive with their vocal chords and body language. It was like staring into the seven expressionism of art.

I believed that the picture had a modern looking production and casual costume designing.

I give the movie a 6/10.