fmkhan213 Reviews

The Killer (2023)

It doesn't even feel like a Fincher movie

[5/10 · 19 November 2023]

Extremely boring, repetitive, done to death storyline, with just a single difference of 'how' all the killing starts. It's slow-paced without any satisfactory ending. Except the cinematography, it's not worth watching to be honest!

One of the good one fight sequence is just too dark to even tell sometimes what exactly is happening.

Fassbender barely said much, but his acting was on point. The reason why he started being a rebel, Fincher never tried the audience to connect with any of that, he just dived straight into the killing bit.

Wasn't expecting a half cooked story from Fincher to be honest. Even if he has stuck to the graphic novel (which I'm not aware of), he could have presented it in a better way. The narration goes on throughout the movie, which becomes annoying at times, as there isn't any uttered dialogue, just some bg music, or the music the Smiths' singles the killer is listening to blending into the bg.

Was expecting better from Mr. Fincher!

Devs (2020)

Amazing concept wasted by the lead actress and the ending

[6/10 · 20 April 2020]

I was completely hooked as soon as I read Alex Garland's name attached to this project, and the whole feel of the show is brilliantly done. The cinematography and background score reminded me of Annihilation. Beautifully done and one of the best for a TV series.

It's a very plausible representation of human trying to connect with his dead loved one in any way possible, to the point of obsession and ultimately insanity.

The detachment presented in the characters was relatable to current times and I believe it was a bit forced on the viewers to feel empathy for the leads. The actor who played Lily did what she was told to do. No one liked it, but that was how it was supposed to be, though its quite frustrating to watch her scenes. I constantly thought a better actress should have been casted. Her range of emotions has been compared to a film student on some other forums.

I liked how the story went from point A to point B, but there were quite some loopholes that I was not able to just ignore, and some of the choices not made by the characters even knowing the outcome felt forced and completely absurd. Honestly I was not sure how were they going to end it, and in the end climax of the show felt quite underwhelming, and somewhat a cliche. A similar ending was executed in Jake Gyllenhaal's Source Code, again a mediocre conclusion to somewhat an interesting concept. Alex failed to deliver a satisfying closure, unlike his other gems.

Guns Akimbo (2019)

Forget critics, watch this insane adventure yourself!

[7/10 · 29 February 2020]

I don't know where to start. So ya critics are right, the movie is dumb. But it's dumb in the most entertaining way possible. I wish they had explored pre-skizm side of Miles more. That was the only narratively weak point for me. Samara Weaving did an excellent job, completely felt and behaved like a psycho. I love the fact that she is acting a total badass in 2 films released in 2019.

Yes, you should flush down the logic and laws of science to an absolute rest, and then this work of fiction actually becomes surprisingly a well handled entertaining adventure. It's tad bit extremely violent at times and that too unnecessarily, but that's just their creative approach. A well badged R-rating, aiding the story rather than just for the sake of being an R-rated flick (eyes on you Harley). Not much acting was required to be honest, but still Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the main cast did well. Overall a must watch Friday Night movie!

Terminal (I) (2018)

What an absolute delight! Do not go for the low ratings

[7/10 · 31 December 2019]

I saw Terminal being mentioned by some YouTuber for it's brilliance of the use of colors in any given scene. I expected a low budget stylistic adventure with plothole full of story. I'm glad I was completely wrong. The movie keeps the viewer hooked right from the start. You know there is something wrong. You know who is doing what and still you are not sure why. The why part of the story is well executed. The story itself that we see is non-linear, which makes the suspense a tad bit more interesting. I loved the dialogues, one of the most sassiest bold and witty I have seen since long. You have to have a taste in the language to enjoy the conversation between the characters. What a joy it was. Margot Robbie gave a stellar performance so did Simon Pegg. One aspect that absolutely is the clear winner is the cinematographer. Beautiful sets with minimalist neons. The whole neo-noir feel makes the whole movie a delight for the eyes. The climax is unpredictable and rather enjoyable. Please don't fall for the lack of ratings. Enjoy this brilliant movie!

Ready or Not (I) (2019)

An unexpected entertainer!

[8/10 · 26 December 2019]

After watching the trailer and liking it, I have been looking forward to watch this movie, wasn't expecting much, but I'm too glad I was wrong! Although you get glimpses of what to expect in the trailer, the cinematography, production design, story telling and acting is worth the whole 1 1/2 hours of madness. The whole plot of the movie revolved around Samara's character and she played her part in an immaculate manner. Round of applause for doing that as her acting and dialogue delivery is the reason that kept the movie together. The movie never felt as a B grade thriller. It genuinely invested in the whole game we witnessed. The supporting actors are well casted. Blood and gore made it somewhat not kids friendly, yet more enjoyable as the stakes are much higher. The climax of the movie is such a rollercoaster of a ride. I liked the turn of events and the dark comedic touches they added throughout the movie. Especially the dialogue at the end is like one of the most perfect and badass ending I have seen since long. You can't stop smiling of what the hell just happened. A very well balanced movie! I have a feeling it's going to become a cult classic in the coming years.. Bravo for the whole team!

The King (I) (2019)

A believable period tale

[7/10 · 10 November 2019]

This film has managed to hit all the right notes perfectly. From casting to acting to costume design and beautiful cinematography. I never felt bored even once. War scenes were shot in one of the most natural and believable ways. I'm not sure about the facts but the premise and story itself is told in a very true to life and relatable way. You get to experience the emotions of the protagonist from his initial scenes till the end, masterfully performed by Timothee Chalamet. Netflix should invest in these kind of creative endeavors more! The quality of this movie has set a high bar for Netflix. Must watch!

Joker (I) (2019)

Experience the brilliance!

[8/10 · 5 October 2019]

Stepped into the cinema with half expecting it to be a regular Hollywood crime thriller with joker as being the central character. But I assure you this movie has created some magnificent work in laying out the story and setting the stage for the grand entry of a very different genre within the comic book realm.

Phoenix performance is literally scary. His expressions, his delivery. One can not simply watch the movie without feeling remorse for Arthur. He has portrayed the character beautifully. It's his story, he is the center of the world, and the rest of the world is completely oblivious of this fact.

At times the situation seems forced and his reaction appears to be greater than you would expect in such scenario. But I believe that's the beauty of it. Being unpredictable about what's coming next in Arthur's journey.

Todd Phillips has done an exemplary work. This movie is a work of art. Lawrence Sher has created a cinematic experience one would find in a Nolan movie. Cinematography is gorgeous and quite reminiscent of an old classics. Excellent work by the whole crew.

Third act of the movie is the strongest and weekest at the same time. Though we all expect things to end in a certain way, Arthur's character development needed a bit more of a solid ground before turning the protagonist to antagonist against the society itself. Loved the way they connected it to Batman, which can be explored in some later movies.

In the end.. a must watch for every cinema lover out there!

Booksmart (2019)

Don't go for the ratings!

[4/10 · 9 September 2019]

I genuinely thought the movie to be good after a good 7 above rating on IMDB, but it was too wannabe funny. I mean I waited for a funny twist in the story or some humorous phase that can be remembered, unfortunately there was none! The story felt too superficial with the viewer not even properly getting to know the characters (and at times in a forceful way) and things starts happening all in a single day and night.. Only if they had explore the lead characters a bit, the story would have worked perhaps. Some of the side characters seems extras that the main story never even required. Complete waste of time and money!

Article 15 (2019)

Beautifully crafted murder mystery

[7/10 · 25 August 2019]

I have not experienced the cast system myself, but watching the complications through the eye of cinema, it was horrifying. I can not imagine how these kind of caste systems can still prevail in the modern world. Anyhow, Article 15 is a well executed crime thriller, with exceptional cinematography, color grading and fluid storytelling. I believe a few of the side characters and their subplots was used as fillers. Could have developed the story more with may be better use of the same characters to further the main plot. Still a magnificent attempt and strong performance by all leads.

Mirage (2018)

Fascinating adventure fell short due to climax

[7/10 · 6 June 2019]

I liked the details crafted into the story, all the journey the protagonist and the audience goes through simultaneously. The premise was set really well, pacing was fine. Acting isn't bad either. Cinematography, color grading were top notch, even the CGI! The only thing lacking was a proper closure, which it fell short of. Admire the taste of the writer/director Oriol Paulo. Not a bad attempt at all! (Netflix shouldn't mess with foreign language names. The actual name of this movie is much relatable to the story, if translated properly!)

The OA (2016–2019)

Absolute beauty

[9/10 · 10 May 2019]

This show have you involved in the stroy (more of a journey) and the characters right from the beginning. The minimalist, original and poetic approach the team went with the plot is near perfection, which is a rarity in tv shows and movies nowadays. The way the main protagonist indulges you into her story, the more you feel connected to her, which is played brilliantly by Brit, a gem of an artist! Don't overestimate anything.. watch it yourself.. and just after a few episodes in.. you'll feel an invisible thread holding you to OA, sending shivers down your spine at times. The questions unanswered, the fabric of reality, what's true, what's devine. The imapct this show has on someone watching it is a masterful craftsmanship. (Haven't even started second season yet!)

The Invisible Guest (2016)

Unexpected crime thriller!

[9/10 · 17 March 2019]

Haven't seen such a good crime thriller since long! Contratiempo delivers an excellent narrative with praise worthy cinematography and engaging acting by the leads. Just when you think you have figured out what actually happened, the story provides the right amount of twist to unfold another lie that has been told to you, as an audience and judge of the crime. Can't praise enough the whole team! Looking forward to seeing more of this director's work.

Teefa In Trouble (2018)

A decent entertainer!

[6/10 · 26 August 2018]

All the millennials went to watch a movie directed by someone they have seen directing and acting a bunch of comedic stuff on television. Ahsan Rahim and Faisal Qureshi! The nostalgia element was added in a few shots too.. specifically the song 'Ab Kya Karon' by Jawad Bashir. Faisal still does not know how to act, or was he acting? I never know.. he still felt like giving his best punch lines, just the way in every other ufone Ad he has ever acted. Now coming back to the actual movie. It was just fine. I believe everything was on point, except the story needed some strong work. Songs were exceptionally good. Cinematography was too good for a Pakistani flick. Maya Ali looked damn gorgeous. Ali's presence on the screen was too overwhelming (some times not in a good way). The story twist before the ending was a good element. Not saw it coming. But they could have skipped the dragged fighting sequences and added a few more comedic element. Faisal Qureshi should have given more screen time, perhaps with Ahsan Rahim's other assests? ('Adeel Hashmi' anyone agrees?) Overall good attempt!

Na Maloom Afraad 2 (2017)

Opportunity wasted!

[5/10 · 26 August 2018]

This could have been another milestone for Pakistan's film industry, but they failed to deliver even the standards they set themselves. The first NMA was an amazingly well balanced and thoughtfully executed movie, with super fun, memorable punch lines and good story telling.

NMA 2 was just a below average trying to be comedy movie. Except a few good moments, the movie felt bland. It was good to see the same characters with a further story arc but the story could have been significantly better! It was disappointing.